The run-up to the world's biggest sporting event is usually fraught for hosts, but French President Emmanuel Macron added unexpected complexity in June by calling snap parliamentary elections.
A second round of voting for the National Assembly on July 7 delivered a hung parliament, making it hard to know who will be in key government positions when the Games open on July 26.
"Our country is facing an unprecedented political situation and is getting ready to host the world in a few weeks," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stressed on July 7 evening, as he offered his resignation.
Macron has asked the ambitious 35-year-old to remain at his post "for the time being to ensure the stability of the country", a statement from the presidency said.
It is unclear whether the head of state will seek to keep a caretaker government in place until the Paris Games close on Aug 11, but a leftwing alliance that topped the vote is already pushing to name a candidate to replace Attal.
This story is from the July 10, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 10, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
S'pore key for StanChart as trade, investments in Asean grow: CEO
Region starting to rival Greater China, S. Asia and Mid-East in contributing to bank's business
Should you time your resignation to avoid losing out on bonus?
In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' HeadStart newsletter.
Entrepreneur fails to stop bankruptcy action over $34 million business debt
Court rejects her plan to repay banks via sale of properties, revenue from leasing
Markets cheer prospect of Fed rate cuts
Expect more gains this week, although there are some minefields further ahead
US companies avoiding layoffs, but hiring has slowed
As job growth has slowed and unemployment has crept up, some economists have pointed to a sign of confidence among employers: They are, for the most part, holding on to their existing workers.
Sustainable finance, GenAl among skills identified for those in banking
IBF and SkillsFuture working to build capabilities, particularly among SMEs
Saving S-E Asia's trees requires action on climate, land use: Study
Region's forests facing 'double whammy' of threats from climate change, deforestation
Only female in milling event out to break barrier
When Ms Shanice Wong, 20, realised she was the only female in a male-dominated event, she knew she had to rely on \"girl power\" to secure a win.
Poly student leans on hotel industry training
A nosy handyman tests your professionalism. Attendees of a wedding party create a ruckus in the hotel lobby. A distraught guest crumbles in panic after losing her passport.
Parlaying their skills at ‘Olympics'
Duo fly the flag for S'pore with expertise in trains