By French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced his intention to resign. This decision follows projections showing a leftist coalition leading in legislative elections. France’s youngest-ever premier Attal will remain in office during the Paris Olympics.
Election results indicate no party has secured an outright majority. This situation may lead to weeks of intense political negotiations. President Emmanuel Macron could be forced to share power with an opposing prime minister.
Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old far-right National Rally leader, initially appeared poised to become France’s youngest prime minister. However, surprise projections placed his party third. Bardella blamed Macron for “pushing France into uncertainty and instability.”
The National Rally increased its parliamentary seats to a record high. This achievement came despite unprecedented political maneuvering by opponents to block their candidates.
Macron’s office states he will “wait” to make decisions on a new government. The National Assembly is set to convene on July 18. Macron pledges to respect the “sovereign choice of the French people.”
This political turmoil comes at an inopportune time for France. With the Paris Olympics starting in less than three weeks, the nation faces domestic instability under global scrutiny.
The path forward remains unclear. Leftist leader Jean-Luc MĂ©lenchon refuses to negotiate with Macron, who reciprocates this stance. France lacks tradition in forming coalition governments, making the situation more challenging.
The polarized political landscape complicates coalition-building efforts. Any new majority may be vulnerable to no-confidence votes. This unprecedented situation leaves France in uncharted political territory, potentially impacting its domestic and international standing.
Source: AP
