Macron rejects PM Attal’s resignation; left-wing coalition leader says he is ‘ready to govern’

Paris (France), July 8: French President Emmanuel Macron, whose centrist alliance came second to the left-wing New Popular Front coalition in the second round of parliamentary elections, on Monday asked his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to stay in his post for now, CNN reported citing a source at the Elysee Palace.

Attal posted a selfie on his X platform just before going out to present his resignation, refused by Macron, “for the moment in order to ensure the stability of the country.”

The results of the poll showed that the New Popular Front (NFP) emerged victorious with 182 seats, making it the largest group, but far from the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority. Macron’s Ensemble alliance won 163 seats and placed second, while Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and its allies fell to third place with 143 seats.

Separately, former French President Francois Hollande, who ruled the country for a term from 2012 to 2017, was elected as a member of parliament for Corrèze, which he represented in the 1980s and 1990s, CNN reported.

“Even though forming a government will now be very complicated, I think it is a very good thing that the centre and centre-left parties and the left spectrum have worked together to prevent France from drifting towards nationalism and Europe from sinking into even more difficult waters,” he said.

According to CNN, Macron will not be able to hold new elections for at least a year. With three years left in his term, President Macron is expected to preside over an unruly parliament as problems mount at home and abroad, the American television network analyses.

The New Popular Front (NFP), an umbrella group of parties ranging from the far-left La France Insoumise to the more moderate Socialists and Greens, won 182 seats in the National Assembly, making it the largest group but far from the 289 required for an absolute majority.

The election results were welcomed by other European leaders.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said he was “deeply relieved” after the far-right failed to secure an absolute majority in the French National Assembly.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed the victory. “This week, two of the largest countries in Europe have chosen the same path that Spain did a year ago: the rejection of the extreme right and a firm commitment to a social left that addresses citizens’ problems with serious and courageous policies,” Sanchez wrote in a message posted on X.

“The United Kingdom and France have said YES to progress and social advancement and NO to the regression of rights and freedoms. There is no agreement or government with the extreme right,” Sanchez said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated the National Rally at the beginning of last week for its performance in the first round.

French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has said the left is “ready to govern” after becoming the largest political bloc in parliament. The New Popular Front (NFP) coalition is led by Mélenchon and his allies.

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