July 8: France’s left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has announced that the left is “ready to govern” after emerging as the largest political bloc in the National Assembly, despite the country facing a hung parliament with no clear majority. The New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, led by Melenchon, secured 187 seats in the 577-seat Assembly during the second round of parliamentary elections on Sunday.
President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance garnered 159 seats, while Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies finished third with 142 seats. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal offered his resignation, but Macron requested him to remain temporarily to maintain stability.
The election results have created a political deadlock, raising concerns about France’s governance, especially with the Paris Olympics approaching. The left-wing and centrist parties may need to form a fragile coalition, or Macron might invite the NFP to lead, or opt for a technocratic government.
The rise of the far right has particularly alarmed minorities, as the RN becomes a significant political force. The situation remains fluid, with new negotiations expected to determine the future of France’s government.
