Europe's night of election drama capped by Macron bombshell

French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election after his party, Renaissance, was defeated by Marine Le Pen's National Rally in the European elections.

National Rally won over 31% of the vote, more than double that of Renaissance. Despite this, the center-right parties strengthened their majority in the European Parliament, with victories in several countries.

The center-right group, led by Ursula von der Leyen, will form an alliance with the Socialists & Democrats and the liberal Renew group, excluding the far-right parties.

The election results show a shift towards extremes on both the left and right.