Macron Sticks with Prime Minister Amid Election Chaos to Ensure France’s Stability
France’s Macron keeps prime minister in place for “stability of the country” after chaotic election
French voters divided the legislature among the left, center, and far-right, with none securing a majority capable of forming a government. This outcome from Sunday’s elections heightened concerns over potential gridlock in the European Union’s second-largest economy.
President Emmanuel Macron declined the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on Monday, urging him to remain temporarily in office amid the electoral uncertainty. Macron’s decision to call snap elections aimed at providing clarity instead revealed deep political fragmentation just weeks before the Paris Olympics, drawing international attention.
Initial market reactions were cautious, with France’s main share index initially dipping but recovering swiftly. The fear of a decisive victory for either the far-right or leftist coalition likely contributed to this market response.
The election results left no clear path for forming a government, with the leftist coalition leading, followed by Macron’s centrist alliance, and the far-right National Rally trailing. This fragmentation poses challenges for governance and policy-making as newly elected lawmakers prepare to convene at the National Assembly.
Macron, soon to attend a NATO summit in Washington, faces the geopolitical implications of domestic political deadlock, affecting issues like the Ukraine conflict and broader European stability. Despite concerns, some international reactions expressed relief, highlighting the varied responses from Paris to Moscow, Kyiv, and Warsaw.
None of the three main political blocs secured the 289 seats required for a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly. The leftist coalition secured over 180 seats, ahead of Macron’s centrist alliance with more than 160 seats, while Marine Le Pen’s National Rally obtained over 140 seats, a notable increase from previous elections.
The election signaled widespread public discontent, focusing on issues such as inflation, crime, immigration, and governance style. The leftist New Popular Front called for the first opportunity to form a government, proposing policy reversals and increased public spending, although consensus within the coalition remains uncertain.
The unprecedented prospect of a hung parliament in modern France prompted a mix of relief and apprehension among the public. Unlike countries accustomed to coalition governments, France lacks a tradition of cross-party cooperation for forming majorities, reflecting its more centralized decision-making structure in Paris.
