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The centrist coalition of French President Emmanuel Macron expected to win between 200 and 250 seats, far fewer than the 289 needed to have a direct majority in the National Assembly.
The alliance of French President Emmanuel Macron won the majority of seats in the last round of parliamentary elections on Sunday, but lost its parliamentary majority, according to projections.
Projections, based on partial results, show that Macron’s candidates would win between 200 and 250 seats, far less than the 289 needed to have a straight majority in the National Assembly, France’s most powerful parliamentary chamber.
The result means Macron’s coalition will be the largest party in the next 577-seat assembly. Failure to reach a majority means the president may be forced to ally with other parties.
“It is less than we expected. The French have not given us an absolute majority. It is an unprecedented situation that will force us to overcome our divisions,” said Gabriel Attal, budget minister.
If confirmed, the results would seriously tarnish Macron’s victory in the April presidential election when he defeated the far right to become the first French president to win a second term in more than two decades.
A new coalition called NUPES – made up of the hard left, the Socialists and the Greens and led by Jean-Luc Melenchon – is expected to become the main opposition force with about 150 to 200 seats.
“[It is] a totally unexpected situation. The defeat of the presidential party is total and there is no clear majority in sight, “Melenchon said.
“France has spoken and, it must be said, in an insufficient voice because the level of abstention is still too high, which means that a large part of France does not know where to go.”
The far-right National Rally is expected to rise sharply with potentially more than 80 seats, more than the previous eight.
Party leader Marine Le Pen said she would try to unite all “right-wing and left-wing patriots” after her party was stronger than expected.
“Macron’s adventure has come to an end. We will face strong opposition, “he said.
‘A breakthrough’
The outcome of Sunday’s election was to be decisive for Macron’s second-term agenda after his re-election in April, as the 44-year-old president needed a majority to meet promised tax cuts. welfare reform and raising the retirement age.
These parliamentary elections have been largely defined by the apathy of the voters, with more than half of the electorate remaining at home during the first round and the gangs among the candidates have left even more people.
Audrey Paillet, 19, who voted in Boussy-Saint-Antoine, southeast of Paris, was saddened that so few people attended.
“Some people have struggled to vote. It’s a shame that most young people don’t do that, “he said.
The turnout was 38.11 per cent at 3pm GMT, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday. The figure was lower than the 39.42 percent recorded in the first round on June 12 in the same stage, although above the 35.33 percent recorded in 2017.
“It is Emmanuel Macron’s own arrogance, his own contempt for the French people and his own impotence in security and purchasing power that has made him a minority president. It’s a breakthrough, “said Jordan Bardella, acting head of the National Rally.
Government spokeswoman Olivia Grégoire told France 2 television that “we’ve had better evenings”.
“This is a disappointing top position, but it is still a top position,” he said. “We are giving a hand to all those who are good because the country is moving forward.”
‘Less presidential’
Some voters argued against choosing candidates for political extremes that have been gaining popularity. Others said the French system, which gives the president ample power, should give more voice to the multifaceted parliament and function with more control over the Elysee presidential palace and its occupier.
“I am not afraid to have a more divided National Assembly between the different parties. I expect a more parliamentary and less presidential regime, as can be had in other countries, “said Simon Nouis, an engineer voting in the south of Paris.
Macron’s failure to get the majority could have ramifications across Europe. Analysts predict that the French leader will have to spend the rest of his term focusing more on his domestic agenda than his foreign policy. It could mean the end of President Macron, the continental statesman.