France faces uncertainty over the formation of the new government

2024-07-10 18:01:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

France faces uncertainty over the formation of the new government

Illustrative photo

In France, talks have begun to find a political solution, after the surprising results of Sunday's early elections, which the left won. But the election results have left the country without a clear political majority or a clear path to forming a government, just three weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics.

This was not the result most French expected. Instead of a victory for the far-right parties, the left-wing New People's Front coalition secured more seats in the National Assembly, dealing a blow to the far-right National Union coalition, which has campaigned against immigrants. In the first round of the elections, the National Union was in first place, but in the runoff it came in third place, behind the coalition of center parties, led by President Emmanuel Macron, which did better than expected, but still lost almost 100 seats and a majority in the lower house of France's National Assembly.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal continues to be in office, while the president is considering the next steps for the formation of the new government.

According to analysts, the so-called "Republican Front" made up of the main parties managed to prevent the victory of the extreme right.

"I think the most likely scenario now is to reach an agreement between the Popular Front and the coalition that supports Mr. Macron, to form the new government," says Gesine Weber from the German Marshall Fund.

After tilting from the center right, the French president and his alliance may now have to tilt to the left. Lord Macron may have to govern with the political opposition, something he has not done in his seven years in power.

Analysts such as Ms Weber say Mr Macron is likely to retain control of foreign policy, focused on support for Ukraine, the European Union and the transatlantic alliance.

But a possible alliance with the left could curb Mr Macron's domestic agenda, including the controversial pension law and other reforms.

France's political divisions are stark on the outskirts of Paris, where a far-left candidate faced off against a far-right candidate in Sunday's polls.

"I voted for the left because I believe in their values," said voter Louise Ragu for the Voice of America.

Even Yanina Kerkini, whose parents are Algerian immigrants, is worried about the policies of the extreme right.

"People are saying more than they really believe. They are not considering history. This is serious," she told VOA.

Although the National Union lost, it nevertheless won dozens of new legislative mandates and remains one of the main political forces ahead of the 2027 presidential elections in France./ Voa