After victory for the left, Macron surprises by keeping prime minister in office
The French President is committed to ensuring stability during the transition following the green-left alliance's surprising electoral victory.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal spoke at the Hôtel Matignon in Paris after the second round of French parliamentary elections on Sunday - Photo Reproduction/Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters
In an unexpected move that surprised political analysts and voters, French President Emmanuel Macron, asked Prime Minister Gabriel Attal this Monday (8) to remain in office, despite the recent significant victory of the left in the legislative elections. Attal, who appeared at the Élysée Palace this morning, had intended to resign following the results of the elections held in the country on Sunday (7), where the left unexpectedly won.
Not so much, Macron asked him to remain in office until the situation was resolved., a process that can take weeks or even months. This is due to the fact that, although it won the elections and prevented the far right from taking power, the left did not win the minimum number of seats in the French Parliament necessary to nominate a prime minister.
Context of the left's victory
Supporters celebrate surprising victory of the left-wing alliance in France - Photo Reproduction/Internet
Last Sunday, there was a surprising result in France's legislative elections. The left-wing coalition Nova Frente Popular won the largest number of seats in the National Assembly, but without a sufficient majority to govern alone. The second round of elections, held this Sunday (7), had a participation of almost 60% of voters. The three largest benches in the new legislature are: Nova Popular Front (left), with 182 seats; Juntos (center government coalition), with 168 seats; and National Reunion (far right), with 143 seats.
The victory represents a significant shift from Macron's centrist administration, which has dominated French politics since his election in 2017. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a member of the Juntos party, acknowledged defeat and announced that he would resign from his position this Monday (8). The responsibility for appointing a new prime minister will fall to President Emmanuel Macron, who will be based on the election results. The date for this appointment has not yet been determined.
Despite the significant increase in the number of seats won by Reunião Nacional (RN), from 88 to 143, the far right considered the result disappointing. In the first round, held just a week earlier, Marine Le Pen's party had led all other political forces, even projecting that it could achieve an absolute majority in the House.
"Our victory was just postponed," said Le Pen, hours after an exit poll indicated the party's defeat.
Future perspectives
Although they have not yet definitely decided to unite, leaders of the left bloc suggested the possibility of an alliance with the center to reach the 289 seats needed to obtain a majority. After the National Rally, led by Le Pen, won 33% of the votes in the first round, the New Popular Front and Juntos established a barrier to prevent the extreme right from taking power.
The formation of a government that consolidates these two forces remains uncertain. Both blocks have deep differences on specific issues, such as pension reform in France. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, one of the leaders of the French left, suggested that Macron recognize his defeat in the elections and seek collaboration with the NFP to form a government. On the eve of beginning complex negotiations to determine the balance of power in the National Assembly, France faces an unprecedented situation, with the real possibility of a paralyzed Parliament.
Reactions and analysis
Authorities, politicians and sports celebrities commented on the left's victory in the parliamentary elections in France. The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), expressed satisfaction on social media about the victory of the left in the parliamentary elections in France. He highlighted the unity of political forces against extremism, praising the greatness and maturity demonstrated. Lula highlighted that this result, together with the recent victory of the labor party in the United Kingdom, emphasizes the importance of dialogue between progressive segments in defense of democracy and social justice, serving as an inspiration for South America.
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, celebrated the electoral result, comparing it to Spain's choice a year earlier. He highlighted a rejection of the far right and a commitment to left-wing policies that seriously address people's problems. On social media, he emphasized that we do not form alliances or govern with the extreme right. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk celebrated the result in France, where the far right, accused of having ties to Vladimir Putin, was defeated. In Paris there was enthusiasm; in Moscow, disappointment; in Kiev, relief. French national team players such as Marcus Thuram, Tchouameni and Koundé also celebrated. Kylian Mbappé had previously asked French voters to prevent the advance of the National Meeting.
