Breaking News: French Prime Minister Plans to Resign After Leftist Surge in Legislative Elections

France’s Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced his intention to resign following a significant surge by a leftist coalition in the country's legislative elections. 

According to polling projections released on Sunday, this unexpected coalition on the left has taken the lead, winning the most parliamentary seats.

The surprise projections placed President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance in second place and the far right in third. 

No single alliance has achieved a majority, leading to a period of political and economic uncertainty in France. The final results of this highly volatile snap election, called just four weeks ago, are anticipated late Sunday or early Monday.

President Macron's office has indicated that he will wait for the new National Assembly to organise itself before making any decisions. 

According to the projections, Macron has lost control of parliament. Despite Marine Le Pen’s far-right party significantly increasing its seats, it fell short of expectations.

The outcome of this election will influence France's role in the war in Ukraine, global diplomacy, and Europe's economic stability. The nation now faces weeks of political negotiations to determine the next prime minister and the composition of the National Assembly. Macron may have to govern alongside a prime minister opposed to many of his domestic policies.

The timing of this political upheaval is particularly challenging, with the Paris Olympics opening in less than three weeks, drawing global attention to France amid domestic instability. 

For Macron’s centrist party, the legislative elections have become a significant setback, following his decision to dissolve the National Assembly after the far right's surge in the European elections.
Source: Irish Examiner
Image: CBS