French legislative elections 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament and called a snap legislative vote in a surprise move after the far right trounced his centrist alliance in the European elections. After two rounds of voting on June 30 and July 7, neither of the country’s three main political blocs managed to secure an outright majority. A coalition of the French left, the New Popular Front, surprised everyone by taking the lead with 182 seats, Macron’s Ensemble presidential camp won 168 seats while the far right National Rally, who polls had tipped to win, languished in third place with 143 seats. Macron has asked the outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to remain in his post to “ensure the country’s stability”. It is certain, however, that the new prime minister will be grappling with a period of real uncertainty.