Paris, July 8, 2024 – French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced his intention to resign following his party's failure to secure a majority in the recent parliamentary elections. Attal stated that he will formally offer his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. This development comes just three weeks before France is set to host the Paris Olympics.
Attal emphasized that if his resignation is not accepted, he is prepared to continue serving as Prime Minister for as long as necessary. The results of the second round of voting have added complexity to the formation of a new government, as no party has achieved a single majority.
The left-wing coalition New Popular Front (NPE) has emerged victorious in the second round of voting, securing the most seats in parliament. President Macron's centrist Ensemble coalition finished in second place, while the hard-right National Rally (RN), which led after the first round, has now slipped to third place.
The unexpected success of the right-wing RN in the first round of voting had raised concerns among liberals and moderates. In response, the left-wing coalition and Macron's Ensemble coalition joined forces to prevent the RN from securing a second term. These alliances withdrew over two hundred candidates in a strategic move to consolidate votes against the RN, a tactic that ultimately proved effective.
Despite the left-wing coalition's victory, the lack of a clear majority poses significant challenges for forming a stable government. France has limited experience with coalition governments involving three parties. President Macron has yet to comment on the election results and the forthcoming government formation process.
Attal's resignation adds another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape as France prepares for the international spotlight with the upcoming Paris Olympics. The nation's leadership will need to navigate these complexities to ensure both effective governance and a successful hosting of the global event.
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