Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Poll: France Risks of Policy Paralysis Looms

POSTED ON July 8, 2024 •   POLITICS      BY Benedicta Bassey
Women supporters in France Poll/ Photo credit: New York Times

France faces a hung parliament and the prospect of taxing negotiations starting from Monday to form a government, after a surprise left-wing surge blocked Marine Le Pen's quest to bring the far right to power.

The leftist New Popular Front (NPF) emerged as the dominant force in the National Assembly after Sunday's election, but with no single group securing a working majority the possibilities include the NPF forming a minority government or the building of a broad, unwieldy coalition.

The result delivered a stinging blow to President Emmanuel Macron and leaves the euro zone's second largest economy in limbo, heralding a period of political instability just weeks before Paris hosts the Olympic Games.

Macron ended up with a hugely fragmented parliament, in what is set to weaken France's role in the European Union and further afield, and make it hard for anyone to push through a domestic agenda.

The interior Minister data cited by Le Monde Newspaper showed that "The left won 182 seats, Macron's centrist alliance 168 and Le Pen's National Rally (RN) and allies 143."

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said he would tender his resignation, but it was not clear whether the president would accept it immediately given the daunting task ahead to form a government.
Attal said he would be willing to stay on in a caretaker role.

"I will of course do my duties as long as it's needed - it cannot be otherwise on the eve of a date (the Olympics) that is so important for our country," Attal said as it became clear Macron's alliance had endured a humbling setback.

Parties from the NFP -- made up of the French Communist Party, hard left France Unbowed, the Greens and the Socialist Party -- met overnight for first talks on how to proceed.

France Unbowed's firebrand leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said the new prime minister should hail from NPF. However, the bloc has no leader, and its parties are strongly divided over who they could select as a suitable premier.

Some prominent centrist figures, including Edouard Philippe, a former prime minister under Macron, said they were ready to work on a pact to ensure a stable government.

READ ALSO
Combating Corruption in Nigeria is Simpler than Perceived- Peter Obi
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 8, 2025 0

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, argues that combating corruption in Nigeria...

READ ALSO
Benue Assembly Suspends Five Lawmakers Over Misconduct
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 5, 2025 0

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended five lawmakers for three legislative sittings after...

READ ALSO
PDP Announces Schedule for National Convention: Revealed Key Dates
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 4, 2025 0

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its...

READ ALSO
Tinubu's Spokesperson Accuses Peter Obi of Dishonesty Over Political Promises
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 4, 2025 0

The spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has accused Peter Obi, a former governor o...

READ ALSO
LG Chairman Champions Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governorship
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 3, 2025 0

In the quest for a successor to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the chairman of Oshodi-Isol...

READ ALSO
Northern Ex-Lawmakers Divided Over Tinubu's 2027 Re-Election Bid
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 3, 2025 0

Former federal lawmakers from northern Nigeria are sharply divided over President Bola Tinubu’...

READ ALSO
Sanwo-Olu Directs Local Government Chairmen to Pause Political Appointments
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 1, 2025 0

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed all newly inaugurated chairmen of the 20 Loca...

READ ALSO
No Defection Required: ADC Grants Peter Obi and El-Rufai Freedom to Stay with Current Parties
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 31, 2025 0

The newly established African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced that the Labour Party's presid...

OUR CHANNELS:

Mali Detains Soldiers in Crackdown on Alleged Coup Attempt Against Junta
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Mali has detained numerous soldiers suspected of attempting to overthrow the junta that assumed powe...


Davido Pays Tribute to Ifeanyi During Wedding Ceremony
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, wore custom cufflinks featuring an image...


Raye Faces Disciplinary Action, Not Political Punishment- NYSC Clarifies
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has rejected allegations that Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguama...


E-Hailing Operators Face Mandatory Vehicle Audits Amid Safety Concerns
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The Lagos State Government has mandated a thorough inspection of all vehicles used by licensed e-hai...


FRSC Intensifies Crackdown on Motorcyclists Riding Without Helmets on Highways
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State has emphasized its determination to apprehend any...


Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalized in Iraq after Chlorine Leak
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 10, 2025 0

More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were temporarily hospitalized due to respiratory issues after inhalin...


Youth Flee as EFCC Conducts Dramatic Raid at Obasanjo Hotel
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly raided the Green Legacy H...


Abia Football Fest To Hunt Future Champions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

All is set for the inaugural edition of the Abia State Football Fest (ASF), a grassroots talent-hunt...


2027: Ambode Denies Move to ADC, Declares Support For Tinubu, APC
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturd...


Tinubu Conferred Chieftaincy Title In Lagos
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 11, 2025 0

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s co...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu