France faces a political quagmire following the recent legislative elections, with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition falling short of an absolute majority. Macron's Renaissance party, along with its allies Modem and Horizons, secured only 163 seats, far from the 289 needed. The president is now seeking to build a right-wing majority with the conservative Republicans, but this approach has faced resistance from various political factions.
Macron's call for a broad parliamentary coalition has been met with mixed reactions. In a letter to the French people, he urged all political forces that align with republican institutions and the rule of law to engage in sincere dialogue to form a solid majority. However, the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), which emerged as the surprising leader in the elections, opposes any coalition that excludes their key members.
The French political landscape is further complicated by the involvement of international actors. French President Macron recently protested to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the interference of Israeli ministers in the French elections. Likud Diaspora Minister Amichai Shikli's support for Marine Le Pen's far-right party added tension between the two nations.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), faces legal challenges that could impact her political future. Paris prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into alleged fraud in her last presidential campaign's finances. Despite these issues, Le Pen's party gained 54 new seats in the recent elections, bringing their total to 143.
The French election results have left the country in a state of uncertainty. No coalition has achieved an absolute majority, and the possibility of forming a stable government remains unclear. Former President François Hollande and other political figures have called for new alliances, but major reforms seem unlikely. The situation has led to concerns about potential protests and unrest, especially if the far-right gains more influence.
