FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The French have woken up today in an unfamiliar political terrain.
The results of the elections have not given any of the parties the opportunity to govern alone, because the necessary numbers are missing.
The New Popular Front looks safe as it will have 182 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, with 168 for Macron's Ensemble alliance, 143 for the far-right National Rally and its allies and 60 for the conservative Republicans.
All eyes will be on Macron, who called these snap elections and has yet to deliver his response to the new political realities.
Can Macron make a deal with the left?
Macron may seek a deal with the left to form a coalition government. Such negotiations, if they happen, are expected to be very difficult.
The arrangement may take the form of a loose, informal alliance that is likely to be fragile. Macron has said he would not work with the hard-left France Unbowed party, but he might reach out to the Socialists and Greens.
His government last week suspended a decree that would have reduced workers' rights to unemployment benefits, which has been interpreted as a gesture to the left.
If he cannot strike a political deal, Macron could appoint a government of experts unrelated to political parties. Such a government would likely deal mainly with the day-to-day affairs of keeping France running.
The left has been torn apart by divisions in recent months, particularly after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.
"France Unbowed" has been heavily criticized by other leftists for its stance on the conflict. Leftist leaders have strongly condemned the conduct of Israel's war with Hamas and accused it of genocide against the Palestinians.
The Socialists ran as independents in the European Union elections last month, winning around 14% of the vote, when France Unbowed got less than 10% and the Greens 5.5%.
However, Macron's move to hold early legislative elections prompted leftist leaders to agree to form a new coalition, the New Popular Front.
Their joint platform promises to raise the minimum wage from 1,400 to 1,600 euros, withdraw Macron's pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, and raise prices of essential food products and energy.
All this has worried the financial markets.
Is an interim government needed?
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said he will resign on Monday. He also said that he is ready to stay in this post as long as necessary. An interim government would handle current issues pending further political negotiations.
Macron's office said he would "wait for the organization of the new National Assembly before making any decisions about the new government.
There is no set timeline for when Macron must appoint a prime minister and no rule that he must appoint a prime minister from the largest party in parliament.
The president's term lasts until 2027 and he has said he will not retire before its end.
Without a majority and without the opportunity to implement his plans, Macron emerges weakened from the elections.
In accordance with France's constitution, he still has some powers over foreign policy, European affairs and defence, and is responsible for negotiating and ratifying international treaties. The president is also the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces and holds the nuclear codes.
There is a possibility that the new prime minister will be unable or unwilling to seriously challenge Macron's defense and foreign policy powers, and will instead focus on domestic politics.
The prime minister is responsible to the parliament, leads the government and presents draft laws.
Lini një Përgjigje