France: Polls end with no clear majority

MACRON KEEPS PRIME MINISTER IN PLACE FOR ‘STABILITY OF THE COUNTRY’

In a dramatic move reflecting the deepening political crisis in France, President Emmanuel Macron refused the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, asking him to remain in office temporarily. This decision comes after Sunday’s chaotic election results left the French government in a state of limbo, with no clear majority in the National Assembly.

French voters splintered the legislature across the left, centre, and far right, leaving no faction near the majority needed to govern. The election, which Macron had hoped would bring clarity, instead underscored the country’s deep divisions less than three weeks before the Paris Olympics, when France will be under intense global scrutiny.

France’s main share index dipped at the market’s opening but quickly recovered, suggesting relief that neither the far right nor the leftist coalition secured an outright victory.

Prime Minister Attal had offered his resignation Monday morning, but Macron, who appointed him just seven months ago, requested he stay on “to ensure the stability of the country.” Attal had expressed disagreement with Macron’s decision to call the snap elections, which resulted in a fragmented parliament.