French Left Wins Most Seats in Legislative Elections, Facing Hung Parliament

PARIS — In a shocking turn of events, a coalition of the French left emerged victorious in high-stakes legislative elections on Sunday, beating back a far-right surge but falling short of a majority. The outcome has left France, a key player in the European Union and upcoming Olympic host country, grappling with the unprecedented scenario of a hung parliament and potential political gridlock.

The implications of this political turmoil extend far beyond the borders of France, with potential impacts on global diplomacy, the war in Ukraine, and Europe’s overall economic stability. The uncertainty surrounding the French government could also have repercussions on markets and the country’s economy, which is the EU’s second-largest.

President Emmanuel Macron’s gamble to call for early elections following a surge in far-right support in the European Parliament elections seems to have backfired. Despite the official results showing the New Popular Front leftist coalition leading with just over 180 seats, no single bloc managed to secure the 289 seats needed for a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

The rise of the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, was significant, capturing over 140 seats but falling short of their goal of an absolute majority. The anti-immigration party, known for its historical links to antisemitism and racism, was thwarted by strategic candidate withdrawals by its opponents in the runoff elections.

The newfound uncertainty in French politics has raised concerns about the country’s ability to govern effectively, especially with the Paris Olympics on the horizon. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who is expected to offer his resignation, expressed dismay over the unexpected dissolution of the National Assembly and the ensuing hung parliament.

As France navigates this uncharted territory, the future of its government remains unclear. The leftist coalition, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has called for the first opportunity to form a government and nominate a prime minister, proposing a rollback of Macron’s reforms and a significant increase in public spending.

Macron, who now faces the challenge of sharing power with opposing political factions, will need to navigate a polarized political landscape and forge alliances to govern effectively. The unprecedented nature of this hung parliament has left many in France and beyond questioning the country’s political future and its impact on the wider European stage.