Right's gains in EU elections spark shake-up

Though centrists retain majority, political turbulence lies ahead in major economies

The European Parliament elections that ended on Sunday resulted in a dramatic turn to the right in several major economies in the European Union, though the bloc's centrists retained their majority.

A major defeat of French President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party by the far-right National Rally has led to Macron's announcement on Sunday night to dissolve the National Assembly and hold early legislative elections on June 30, with a second round on July 7.

Marine Le Pen's National Rally party won 31.4 percent of the vote, more than double the support for Macron's party.