The results show that French voters opted to give a broad-based left-wing coalition the most seats in crucial legislative elections, keeping the far-right out of power.
But no party has secured a majority, plunging France into an uncertain and unprecedented situation, with President Emmanuel Macron’s center-right coalition coming in second and the far-right in third, and with a significantly larger number of seats in the National Assembly, France’s lower house.
No clear candidate has emerged as the next prime minister. Macron has said he will wait to decide his future course before traveling to Washington this week for a NATO summit. New lawmakers can begin work in parliament on Monday, with the first session starting on July 18.
Hung Parliament?
The election has produced three major political forces, none of which comes close to a majority of at least 289 of the 577 seats.
The National Assembly is the most important chamber in France’s bicameral parliament and has the final say on legislative matters vis-à-vis the conservative-dominated Senate.
While not uncommon in other European countries, modern France has never experienced a parliament without a dominant party.
In such a situation, lawmakers need to forge cross-party consensus and agree on government positions and legislation, which is particularly difficult in France, where politics are divisive and there are deep divisions over taxes, immigration and Middle East policy.
That means Macron’s centrist coalition will be unable to implement pro-business policies such as an overhaul of unemployment benefits, and it could find it harder to pass a budget.
Can Macron make a deal with the left?
Macron may seek to form a coalition government with the moderate left. Such negotiations, if they were to take place, would be extremely difficult, as France has no tradition of such arrangements. Any agreement would likely take the form of a loose, informal alliance, and would likely be fragile.
Macron has said he will not work with the far-left France Indefatigable party, but he could reach out to the Socialists and the Greens.
But they may refuse to accept it: His government last week suspended a decree that would have reduced workers’ unemployment benefit entitlements, in a move interpreted as a gesture to the left.
If no political agreement can be reached, Macron could form a government of non-party experts that would mainly handle the day-to-day aspects of running France. Complicating matters, either of these options would require parliamentary approval.
Is the Left Divided?
The left has been hit by divisions in recent months, especially since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. France Unboud has been heavily criticized by other moderate leftists for its stance on the conflict. Far-left leaders have firmly condemned Israel’s acts of war with Hamas and accuse it of promoting genocide against Palestinians.
The Socialists have faced accusations of anti-Semitism, which they strongly deny. They ran alone in last month’s European Union elections and won about 14% of the vote, compared with less than 10% in unyielding France and 5.5% for the Greens.
But President Macron’s call for early legislative elections prompted left-wing leaders to quickly agree to form a new coalition government, the New Popular Front.
Their joint policy platform promises to raise the minimum wage from 1,400 to 1,600 euros, reverse Mr Macron’s pension reforms that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 and freeze prices of basic goods and energy – all of which has unsettled financial markets.
Is a caretaker government necessary?
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal He said he would step down on Monday and was prepared to stay on in his post for the duration of the Paris Olympics and for as long as necessary. A caretaker government will handle current issues pending further political negotiations.
Macron’s office said he would “wait for the new National Assembly to be formed” before making any decisions about a new government.
There is no clear deadline for when Macron must name a prime minister, nor is there any clear rule that the person must come from the largest party in parliament.
What about Macron?
His term as president expires in 2027 and he has said he will not step down before then. Without a majority and therefore no chance of implementing his plans, the election leaves Macron weakened.
Under the French constitution, the president still has authority over foreign policy, European affairs and defense, and is responsible for negotiating and ratifying international treaties. He is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces and holds the nuclear weapons codes.
The new prime minister may be unable or unwilling to seriously challenge Mr Macron’s defence and foreign policy mandate and instead focus on domestic politics. The prime minister would be responsible to parliament, lead the government and introduce legislation.
