A coalition of the French left gained the most seats in high-stakes legislative elections on Sunday, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.
France, a pillar of the European Union and Olympic host country, faced the daunting prospect of a hung parliament and political paralysis.
The political turmoil has the potential to disrupt markets and the French economy, which is the second-largest in the EU, and may have significant ramifications for the conflict in Ukraine, global diplomacy, and the economic stability of Europe.
When President Emmanuel Macron announced the election on June 9, he said that turning to voters again would provide "clarification."
It appears that the gamble has failed on almost every level. According to official results released early Monday, all three main blocs were far below the 289 seats needed to control the 577-seat National Assembly, France's more powerful legislative chamber.
The results showed that the New Popular Front leftist coalition placed first, ahead of Macron's centrist alliance, which had more than 160 seats. Marine Le Pen's National Rally and its allies were restricted to third place, although their more than 140 seats were still way ahead of the party's previous best showing — 89 seats in 2022.
A parliament that is hung is unknown territory for modern France.
“Our country is facing an unprecedented political situation and is preparing to welcome the world in a few weeks,” stated Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who intends to tender his resignation later today.
As the Paris Olympics approach, Attal expressed his readiness to remain at his position for as long as his duties require. Macron has three more years remaining on his presidential term.
Attal reiterated his disapproval of Macron's unexpected decision to call the election, stating, "I did not choose the dissolution" of the previous National Assembly, where the president's centrist alliance was the single largest group, albeit without an absolute majority. It was able to govern for two years, pulling in lawmakers from other camps to fight off efforts to bring it down.
The new legislature appears to be lacking in such stability. During Macron's trip to Washington this week for a summit of the NATO alliance, he will depart a nation that is uncertain about its forthcoming prime minister and may be forced to share power with a politician who strongly opposes his policies.
Many still rejoiced. In Paris' Stalingrad square, supporters cheered and applauded as projections showing the alliance ahead appeared on a giant screen. Several minutes of continuous applause ensued after the projections landed in Republique plaza in eastern Paris, accompanied by spontaneously hugging strangers.
Marielle Castry, a medical secretary, was on the Metro in Paris when the projected results were first announced. She was a medical secretary.
“Everybody had their smartphones and were waiting for the results and then everybody was overjoyed,” said the 55-year-old. “I had been stressed out since June 9 and the European elections. ... And now, I feel good. Relieved.”
