French President Emmanuel Macron has declined the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, requesting him to stay on temporarily as head of the government after the recent election results left the country uncertain.
French voters have divided the legislature among the left, centre, and far right, with no faction achieving the majority required to form a government. The outcomes of Sunday’s vote have increased the likelihood of political paralysis for the European Union’s second-largest economy.
Macron had hoped that calling snap elections would provide a “moment of clarification” for France. Still, the results proved otherwise, less than three weeks before the Paris Olympics when the country will be in the global spotlight.
Despite an initial drop, the French stock market quickly rebounded, possibly because markets had feared a decisive victory for either the far-right or the leftist coalition.
Prime Minister Attal, who had expressed his willingness to remain in office if necessary, offered his resignation on Monday morning. Macron, who appointed him just seven months ago, immediately requested that he stay on “to ensure the stability of the country.” Macron’s key political allies were also present at the meeting with Attal at the presidential palace, which lasted about 90 minutes.
Attal had previously disagreed with Macron’s decision to call the unexpected elections. The results from the two rounds of voting have left no clear path to forming a government for the leading leftist coalition, Macron’s centrist alliance, or the far right.
New and returning lawmakers are expected to convene at the National Assembly to begin serious negotiations.
Macron will depart midweek for a NATO summit in Washington.
This political stalemate could have significant implications for the war in Ukraine, international diplomacy, and Europe’s economic stability. However, at least one leader viewed the results as a relief.
