Morning Update from Paris: Key Points to Know

Morning in Paris

 A left-wing alliance has secured the most seats in the French parliament following tactical voting in Sunday's second-round election, which blocked Marine Le Pen's far-right party. However, with no party securing an absolute majority, France faces a political stalemate.

President Emmanuel Macron, unable to call a new election for at least another year and with three years left in his term, is likely to lead a turbulent parliament amid rising domestic and international challenges.

Key Points:

Election Results:

In an unexpected outcome, the New Popular Front (NFP)—a coalition of parties ranging from the far-left France Unbowed to the more moderate Socialists and Ecologists—won 182 seats in the National Assembly, becoming the largest group but falling short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority. Macron's centrist Ensemble alliance secured 163 seats, while Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party and its allies won 143 seats.

Implications:

The strong performance of the RN in the first round had raised concerns about the potential election of France's first far-right government since the Vichy regime of World War II. However, Sunday's results indicate a significant push by French voters to prevent the far right from gaining power, even at the cost of a hung parliament.

Public Reaction:

Celebrations erupted in Paris as projections suggested a leftist victory. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed, expressed relief to his supporters, calling the results a "huge relief for the overwhelming majority of people in our country." Conversely, Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old leader of the far-right RN, described France as being plunged into "uncertainty and instability."

Next Prime Minister:

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a close ally of Macron, announced his resignation on Monday morning. The successor remains uncertain, but Sunday's results indicate Macron may need to appoint someone from the left-wing coalition, a situation known as "cohabitation." However, Macron's party members have stated they would not collaborate with France Unbowed, deeming it as extreme as the RN.

Macron's Response:

In a brief statement, the Elysee mentioned that Macron is waiting for the complete results of all 577 constituencies before making any decisions. "As the guarantor of our institutions, the president will ensure that the sovereign choice of the French people is respected," the statement read.

Political Complexity:

Édouard Philippe, former prime minister and Macron ally, commented that the snap election gamble resulted in "great vagueness." He emphasized that no single political bloc in the assembly has a majority to govern independently. "The central political forces must promote an agreement to stabilize the political situation without compromise," he said.