Andrew Neil mocks Macron as he lists 6 reasons why France is a complete mess right now

Veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil has savagely mocked French President Emmanuel Macron in a withering post on social media where he listed six ways France is in turmoil right now.

Demonstrations have erupted across the English Channel since President Macron called a surprise election in a televised address to the nation after his party were hammered by the far-right in the European elections.

The shift in France appears to mirror a general right-wing sway across Europe and the UK, with parties to the right of the political spectrum gaining momentum as much of the continent goes to the polls this year.

Although in Britain surveys of voter intentions suggest the left and the Labour party could be set to win the election, Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK party have surged in popularity in recent weeks.

Posting on X, Andrew Neil, who is chairman of the right-leaning Spectator magazine, offered some comfort for those worried about the state of politics in the UK.

He wrote: "Some solace from France for those despairing at British politics; Macron’s party plummets in polls, stock market tumbles too, leader of main centre-right party locks himself in party HQ, rival unlocks with spare key."

Mr Neil, who is a former editor of the Sunday Times, continued his assessment, adding three more points: "Two far right figures descend into open warfare. New left-wing Popular Front starts to crack. Cost of French debt rises."

President Emmanuel Macron dissolved France's National Assembly, parliament's lower house, in a shock response to a humbling defeat by the far-right in European elections on June 9.

Mr Macron's rivals Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, from the National Rally party, took around a third of the vote in the European Parliament elections.

In the wake of the shock result Mr Bardella openly called on the President to deliver national elections.

Speaking during his television address, Mr Macron said: "I have heard your message and I will not let it go without a response. France needs a clear majority in serenity and harmony."

The President added that he would not resign himself to letting the far-right gain popularity "everywhere in the continent".