France Faces Huge Hung Parliament as Left-Wing Trumps Far Right with No Majority

A coalition of the French left emerged victorious in high-stakes legislative elections, securing the most seats and fending off a surge from the far right. 

However, the leftists fell short of achieving a majority, leaving France in a precarious position with a hung parliament and potential political deadlock.

The outcome has significant ramifications for France, a key member of the European Union and the host country for the upcoming Olympics. 

Political instability could unsettle markets, affect the French economy—the second largest in the EU—and have broader impacts on the war in Ukraine, global diplomacy, and Europe's economic stability.

President Emmanuel Macron called the election on June 9, following a strong showing by the far right in European Parliament voting. 

He intended for the election to provide "clarification" but the gamble appears to have backfired. 

None of the three main political blocs secured the 289 seats needed to control the 577-seat National Assembly.

The New Popular Front, a leftist coalition, secured over 180 seats, emerging as the largest group. 

Macron's centrist alliance followed with more than 160 seats. 

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies came in third, with over 140 seats, marking a significant increase from their previous best of 89 seats in 2022.

The unprecedented hung parliament introduces uncertainty into French politics. 

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal expressed his intention to resign, highlighting the political turmoil as France prepares to host the world in the upcoming Paris Olympics. 

Macron still has three years remaining in his presidential term, but the new legislature lacks the stability of the outgoing National Assembly.

When Macron travels to Washington for a NATO summit, he will leave behind a country uncertain about its next prime minister and the possibility of having to share power with an opponent of his policies. 

The leftist coalition, led by prominent figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon, is pushing for the opportunity to form a government and appoint a prime minister.

The election results sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the left celebrated in Paris, expressing relief and joy at the coalition's victory. 

On the other hand, far-right supporters were disappointed, although they acknowledged their significant gains. 

Marine Le Pen, expected to run for the presidency again in 2027, viewed the results as a foundation for future success, despite her sister Marie-Caroline's narrow defeat.

The National Rally's increase in seats fell short of an outright victory, thwarted by strategic withdrawals from rival parties and a strong voter turnout aimed at preventing the far right from gaining power.

The election has redrawn France’s political landscape, forcing parties on the left to unite despite their differences. 

This leftist coalition pledges to reverse many of Macron’s key reforms, increase public spending, and adopt a more stringent stance against Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Macron criticized the left's economic plans, warning of potential financial ruin for France, already scrutinized by EU watchdogs for its debt. 

Despite this, the New Popular Front's leaders are pushing for the chance to govern.

Leftists are rioting in France after they won the election. Imagine what would they have done if they actually lost?

Reminder: Leftists are the second biggest threat to a nation after radical lsIamists! pic.twitter.com/32D8iEphGh

— BALA (@erbmjha) July 8, 2024

Unlike other European nations accustomed to coalition governments, France lacks a tradition of cross-party cooperation. 

The centralized nature of French governance, with many decisions made in Paris, complicates efforts to form a stable government. 

Voter discontent with issues like inflation, crime, immigration, and Macron's governance style has intensified the polarization of French politics.

The sharp divisions and the quick, intense campaign have created a challenging environment for forming a government. 

The election was marred by racism, antisemitism, and Russian disinformation campaigns, with over 50 candidates reporting physical attacks, an unusual occurrence in French elections.

As France navigates this uncharted political territory, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the country's direction and stability.