Mon 20 June 2022:
Following substantial gains by a newly formed left-wing alliance and record wins by the far-right, French President Emmanuel Macron has lost control of the National Assembly in legislative elections.
The result, which was published in the early hours of Monday, threw French politics into disarray, raising the possibility of a paralyzed legislature unless Macron can form coalitions with other parties.
Now, Macron needs to get support from other parties and build a stable alliance. In the near-final results, a left-wing alliance has become the biggest opposition groups. The far-right has witnessed record-high wins while the conservatives seem to have become likely kingmakers. The outcome of the elections was a “democratic shock”, said Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. He added that if the other blocs do not cooperate, “this would block our capacity to reform and protect the French.”
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said, “The result is a risk for our country in view of the challenges we have to face.” From Monday, Macron’s camp will work to seek alliances, the leader added. If gridlock ensues, the president can also call a snap election. “The rout of the presidential party is complete and there is no clear majority in sight,” hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon told supporters.
Not only that, but the National Rally, led by far-right leader Marine Le Pen, has shown a tenfold increase in the number of MPs.
According to initial forecasts by OpinionWay, pollsters Ifop, Elabe, and Ipsos, it will win 90-95 seats
Macron’s ability to pursue further reform of the euro zone’s second-biggest economy now hinges on winning support for his policies from moderates outside his alliance on both the right and left.
“There are moderates on the benches, on the right, on the left. There are moderate Socialists and there are people on the right who, perhaps, on legislation, will be on our side,” Government Spokeswoman Olivia Gregoire said.
In another blow to Macron, key ministers standing for election were set to lose their jobs under a convention that they should resign if they fail to win seats.
Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon, Maritime Minister Justine Benin and Environment Minister Amelie de Montchalin – a pillar of Macron’s administration in the last years – all lost and will now exit the government.
Two other close Macron allies, Parliament Speaker Richard Ferrand and former Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, both acknowledged defeat in the fight for their seats.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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