French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced he will resign after a broad left-wing coalition won the most seats in Sunday’s second round of parliamentary elections.
The New Popular Front fell short of a majority, but overtook the far-right National Rally party, which came third behind President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party. Voter turnout was high.
The result leaves France facing the stunning prospect of a hung parliament and threatens political paralysis in a pillar of the European Union and the host country of the Olympic Games.
The far right dramatically increased the number of seats it has in parliament, but fell short of expectations.
What happens next in this nuclear-armed nation has the potential to impact the war in Ukraine, global diplomacy, and Europe’s economic stability.
At the moment:
— With French voters divided between left, center and right, political paralysis threat.
– Global markets are mixed as France faces weeks of uncertainty.
— Here’s a guide to how french elections work and what could happen next.
—How Marcon went from a successful political newcomer to weakened leader.
Here’s the latest:
Members of French President Emmanuel Macron’s cabinet arrived at the presidential palace on Monday after chaotic election results left no political faction with a clear majority.
Among those who arrived on Monday morning were the prime minister appointed by Macron just seven months ago and the interior minister.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said he would offer his resignation on Monday but would remain “as long as duty requires.” His departure would leave France without a head of government less than three weeks before the start of the Paris Olympic Games.
Attal made it clear on Sunday that he did not agree with Macron’s decision to call a surprise election. The results of two rounds of voting left no clear path to forming a government for either the left-wing coalition that came first, Macron’s centrist alliance, or the far right.
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