France faces political gridlock as election delivers hung parliament.
France has been plunged into political uncertainty following legislative elections that have resulted in a hung parliament. No single group secured an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.
Early results showed a loose alliance between various left-wing parties called the New Popular Front (NPF) emerged as the largest bloc, winning 177 seats. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition Ensemble secured 148 seats.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally finished third with 142 seats – not the decisive victory it had hoped for. The results marked the NPF’s strong showing and the far-right’s further gains but fell short of clear majorities.
Prime Minister Attal said he would offer his resignation on Monday while remaining available as long as needed, given major upcoming events in France. The outcome has delivered no clear path to forming a new government.
NPF chief Jean-Luc Melenchon hailed his coalition’s performance in blocking what he called traps and said the united left was equal to the historic occasion. Le Pen said the results laid the foundations for future success.
Turnout was high as candidates urged voters to defend democratic values against far-right risks. Observers said France had averted extreme scenarios but concern remained over such threats emerging. The country now faces an unprecedented political situation with no immediate solution in sight.
