The old saying “a week is a long time in politics” holds true for France’s far-right party, National Rally (RN). After leading in the first round of National Assembly elections, RN was pushed to third place in the second round, with no chance of forming a government. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) won the most seats, followed by President Macron’s Ensemble alliance.
The NFP, an alliance of left-wing parties formed recently, won 182 seats in the 577-seat parliament. Macron’s Ensemble took 168 seats, and RN and its allies gained 143. This leaves France with a hung parliament and a likely period of deadlock.
Jean-Luc Melenchon’s France Unbowed is the dominant party in the NFP, but internal differences complicate forming a government. Despite RN’s disappointment, they increased their seats from 88 to 143.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation but may remain as caretaker prime minister. Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe suggested a centrist solution, while Melenchon insists the NFP should form a government. A long period of negotiations is expected.
Source – CGTN