France found itself in a state of political uncertainty following the snap legislative elections, resulting in a hung parliament. The three main political groups – left, center, and right – all secured significant shares of the vote but fell short of gaining an absolute majority.
Initial projections defied expectations of a clear victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, which had dominated the first round of voting. The left-wing New Popular Front emerged as the frontrunner with an estimated 172 to 208 seats, followed by President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party with 150 to 174 seats. The National Rally secured between 113 and 152 seats.
The outcome highlighted the success of a strategic move by centrists and the left to form a “Republican front” against the National Rally in the second round. Candidates united and withdrew from three-way races to consolidate support against Le Pen’s party.
Despite the left’s strong showing and calls for the New Popular Front to govern, France faced significant governance challenges. The Paris Olympics loomed just weeks away, adding to the urgency of the situation. The left made significant gains, the National Rally increased its presence in the National Assembly, and Macron’s party suffered a notable setback, losing over a third of its seats.
