Uncertainty in France after Leftist Upset in Election

The Left pulled off an upset and became the largest party in the French parliamentary election, while the president's center alliance defeated the far-right. However, none of the blocs won a majority of their own, which paves the way for a difficult-to-govern situation unless new alliances take shape. Our country is facing a political situation unlike anything seen before, says Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

» Updated: July 16 2024

» Published: July 08 2024

Uncertainty in France after Leftist Upset in Election
Photo: Louise Delmotte/AP/TT

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The Left surprised and became the largest in the French parliamentary election, while the president's center alliance defeated the Far Right.

However, none of the blocs won a majority, which paves the way for a difficult-to-govern situation if new alliances do not take shape.

Our country is facing a political situation never seen before, says Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

The Left alliance New People's Front (NFP) becomes the largest and gathers 182 seats in the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron's center alliance Together becomes the second largest with 168 seats.

The Far Right party National Rally (RN) gathers 143 seats together with its allies. A success compared to previous elections, but significantly fewer than expected since the party became the largest in the first round.

The exact distribution of mandates depends on how individual members position themselves towards the three coalitions. However, none of the three major blocs are close to reaching the 289 mandates required for a majority.

Ready to Resign

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who belongs to President Emmanuel Macron's party, announced on Sunday evening that he is ready to submit his resignation.

He added, however, that he is willing to stay on over the summer and the Olympics if needed, given the very unclear political situation.

On Monday, Macron announced that he had asked Attal to stay on as Prime Minister for the time being "to ensure stability in the country".

The new election to the National Assembly will decide who becomes Prime Minister and gets to form a government – and cooperate with President Emmanuel Macron.

"Ready to Govern"

The NFP alliance was formed when Macron called for new elections four weeks ago.

The majority has chosen a different path for France, said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the Left party Unsubmissive France, the largest party in the alliance, followed by the Socialist Party, at his party's election watch.

It is, however, uncertain where this path leads.

Mélenchon claims that NFP is "ready to govern", but the diverse alliance has not yet agreed on a candidate for the Prime Minister's post.

Macron Waits

Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, who belongs to Macron's party, said on Sunday that Mélenchon and some of his allies cannot be allowed to govern.

Macron's staff announced in the evening that the President himself is waiting to make a decision on a new government and that the results must be analyzed.

It is clear that Sunday's election was a disappointment for National Rally, which became the largest in the first round with 34 percent of the votes.

We will strengthen our work in opposition, said a disappointed Jordan Bardella, leader of RN, at the election watch.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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