French President Emmanuel Macron declined the Prime Minister’s resignation and requested him on July 8 to continue leading the government temporarily amid turbulent election outcomes that left the administration uncertain.
The French electorate divided parliamentary seats among the left, center, and far-right, with no single faction coming anywhere near the majority required to establish a government. Sunday’s election results, announced on July 7, heightened concerns about potential gridlock for the European Union’s second-largest economy.
Macron took a risk by calling for snap elections, hoping it would provide France with a clear direction. However, the results proved otherwise, just weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics, placing the country in the global spotlight.
The primary stock index in France initially dropped at the opening but swiftly rebounded, likely due to concerns in the markets about a decisive win by either the far-right or the leftist coalition.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had indicated his readiness to continue serving if necessary but tendered his resignation on Monday morning. Mr. Macron, who appointed him only seven months ago, promptly requested him to remain in his role “to uphold the nation’s stability.”
On July 7, Mr. Attal clearly expressed his disagreement with Mr. Macron’s choice to announce snap elections. Following two rounds of voting, none of the major factions—the leading leftist coalition, Mr. Macron’s centrist alliance, or the far right—emerged with a clear route to government formation.
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