Right extreme failed, but France remains polarised after elections

However, the pendulum has moved to the other end of the political spectrum, with the leftist coalition, the New People's Front, which emerged as the most powerful force. But this alliance failed to secure the parliamentary majority.

If the results are confirmed, France will likely have a “Parliament hanging”, noting how polarised French society is. France is now entering an unkempt territory, analysts said.

“No one expected this result”

The New Popular Front is expected to win most of the seats, between 172 and 198. The president's centrist group, Emmanuel Macron, “Base” is expected to take second place with 152 to 169 seats. The third party is expected to be the 143-seat National Rally.

“It can be said that no one expected this result”, Free Europe Radio editor Richard Jozwiak said.

After the National Rally emerged the main party in the first round of elections, the centre and left parties agreed to withdraw 221 candidates, including 83 from the Macron political group and 132 from the New Democratic Front, in order to avoid tripartite runoffs.

The two French election rounds have different goals, the Free Europe Radio, Jacques Rupnik, director of research at CERI (Centre for International Studies and Research” in Paris, told Paris.

In the first round, vote for the candidate you prefer. But in the second round you vote not necessarily for whom you prefer, but usually vote against those who do not want to enter Parliament”, Rupnik explained.

The prevention of the National Rally was a top priority, which explains the moment between the two rounders.

Will the new prime minister be on the left?

Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far leftist party France, the Non-Designed France and leader of the New People's Front coalition, has demanded that the left be given the chance for forming the Government.

The Convention suggests that Macron should invite a politician from the largest group to take up the post.

Gabriel Attal, the prime minister of France, said he would surrender his resignation, but also said he is willing to serve as prime minister in office during the Olympic Games, starting in Paris on 26 July.

Macro will likely review all options before nominating a prime minister from the left coalition. One option is to try to divide the leftist coalition, which is fragmented but joined only after Macro announced early parliamentary elections.

The New People's Front consists of the Socialist, Green, Communists camp on one side, and the far leftist party, Pana Paunied France, on the other side. These parties in advance were deeply divided.

Another option would be to form a “government of experts” who would not be linked to any political party. However, such an executive would need the support of a majority at the National Assembly.

Rupnik said the left is unlikely to support the formation of an expert government, insisting they won the elections and are eager to move forward with their programme.

The left-wing program is completely uncompliable because it promises many things they don't even have the slightest chance of implementing. No para”, Rupnik added.

As the loss of the right extreme for many investors presents relief, they are also unlikely to be satisfied with entering the left government with economic plans that can reverse many of the reforms in favor of the Macroni markets.

“Macron weakened, but did not be defeated”
Macron will participate in NATO's historic summit in Washington as a weakened figure, while France has remained without a stable leadership majority less than three weeks before Paris is Olympic host.

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There are also some warnings whether the leftist coalition becomes part of the government. The New Popular Front is divided on some foreign policy issues, such as the refusal of Melenchon's party to call Hamas a terrorist group, as has been declared by the United States and the European Union.

If no party is able to form a stable government, according to the French Constitution, early parliamentary submissions could be announced after a year. National gathering, such as the most powerful opposition grouping in Parliament, can use the political mess to boost support for new elections.

Right-wing leader Marine Le Pen, speaking to reporters after the second round of parliamentary elections.
Right-wing leader Marine Le Pen, speaking to reporters after the second round of parliamentary elections.
As far as 2027 presidential elections are concerned, Macro has no right to race and has yet to choose a successor. So the question is who will challenge Marine Le Pen.

There's a great relief. But the problem is not solved”, Rupnik said. REL