Prime Minister Gabriel Attal will submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron following the surprising results of the 2024 parliamentary elections in France. The left-wing alliance, defying expectations, emerged as the strongest force, securing 182 seats according to final election results. This unexpected turn has left the political landscape in France in a state of flux, with no party achieving an absolute majority of 289 seats.
Despite announcing his resignation, Attal will continue to serve as Prime Minister until a new government is formed. He emphasized his commitment to his duties during this transitional period, particularly with significant events like the Olympic Games on the horizon. Attal's decision to step down stems from his party's lack of a majority in the National Assembly, a situation he believes requires a fresh leadership approach.
The profile of Attal's successor remains unknown, as President Macron has yet to make a decision. The left-wing alliance, led by figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Marine Tondelier, has already claimed the right to govern, urging Macron to recognize their victory. Meanwhile, the right-wing nationalist Rassemblement National, led by Marine Le Pen, performed worse than expected, securing fewer seats than anticipated.
The election results have highlighted a significant shift in the French political landscape. The left-wing alliance, known as the Nouveau Front Populaire, is projected to win between 177 to 198 of the 577 seats, while Macron's centrist camp is expected to secure 152 to 169 seats. The Rassemblement National, despite hopes for an absolute majority, is likely to come in third with 135 to 145 seats.
In the wake of these results, the possibility of forming a cohesive coalition to achieve an absolute majority remains uncertain. The increased voter turnout of 67.5 percent, the highest in recent years, reflects the heightened public interest and engagement in this election. The future political direction of France now hinges on the formation of a stable government capable of navigating these new dynamics.
Marine Le Pen, acknowledging her party's setback, described the victory as 'postponed,' emphasizing the RN's growth despite not achieving their targeted majority. The political environment in France is poised for potential protests and unrest, with significant police deployment anticipated to manage any fallout from the election results.
