After the surprise brought by the legislative election results, which resulted in a fragmented National Assembly divided among three blocs, the French political class begins discussions today, Monday, to build an unclear majority or a technocratic government and appoint a Prime Minister. The far-right was expected to lead in the second round of the legislative elections but came in third, after a "Republican Front" was formed by the left and the center during the interval between the two electoral rounds, preventing it from reaching power. However, it made a significant advance, with expectations of securing 135 to 145 deputies.
With no party achieving an absolute majority and a fragile left-wing coalition at the forefront, it must endure the challenge of unity, while the presidential camp managed to save face but cannot continue alone. France finds itself on Monday in an unprecedented atmosphere marked by uncertainty. The new popular front defied expectations and became the leading force in the National Assembly with 177 to 198 deputies, ahead of the Macron camp. Although it remains far from the absolute majority of 289 deputies, it may quickly prove to be an indispensable force.
However, its main party, France Unbowed, which belongs to the radical left, is at the center of many tensions as its leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who is provocative yet charismatic, alienates even some within his own camp. Deputy Clémentine Autain from France Unbowed urged the new popular front deputies to meet on Monday "in a public session" to propose a candidate for Prime Minister to Macron "who is not (the former president elected deputy on Sunday) François Hollande or Jean-Luc Mélenchon."
"Who wants to govern?" She hoped that "the new popular front, in its diversity, could claim to be the balancing force that allows for governance." Meanwhile, deputy François Ruffin, who has definitively separated from France Unbowed, called for governance "with gentleness," in a veiled criticism of Mélenchon, who has previously run for the presidency three times and whom he describes as a supporter of "mob rule and anger."
Christelle Crabbé from the "BVA" polling institute pointed out "a number of uncertainties. Is there a dominance of France Unbowed? Is there a realignment among the socialists? Who wants to govern and on what program?" The presidential majority, which came in second after withstanding surprising resilience, won 152 to 169 deputies. The Élysée Palace announced Sunday evening that Macron, who has not officially commented yet, would wait for the "composition" of the National Assembly to decide who to appoint as Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced he would submit his resignation on Monday, but he is ready to remain in his position "as long as duty calls," especially with Paris hosting the upcoming Olympic Games. He welcomed the election results, stating: "None of the extremists can lead an absolute majority." French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné warned that the outgoing majority would impose "prerequisites for any discussions" for forming a new majority, mentioning secularism, European construction, and support for Ukraine. He concluded by saying that Mélenchon "and some of his allies cannot govern France."
"Delayed Victory"
Meanwhile, the National Rally made gains in Parliament but fell far short of the relative or absolute majority it had dreamed of. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party, stated, "Our victory is just delayed. The tide is rising. It hasn't risen sufficiently this time, but it continues to rise," adding, "I have enough experience not to feel disappointment with a result that has doubled our number of deputies." National Rally President Jordan Bardella criticized the "shameful alliance" formed by the Republican Front against his camp.
The National Rally is the only force that has decisively stated it will be in the opposition camp but with a stronger voice within the National Assembly. Marine Le Pen still has her eyes set on the 2027 presidential election. However, she must currently recognize that a majority of the French still refuse to allow the far right to govern. On Sunday evening, thousands gathered in Place de la République in Paris to celebrate her defeat with fireworks and loud celebrations, with some singing the national anthem. In another square in eastern Paris, leftist activists and supporters expressed their joy and relief, with some in tears. Logistic worker Dalli Diab expressed during a rally for France Unbowed, "I am still affected; it’s unbelievable, there is great hope for the future of France. What is happening is historic (...) It feels like liberation."
