Paris: In a high-stakes legislative election on Sunday, the French left coalition emerged victorious, securing the most seats and staving off a far-right surge. However, the coalition fell short of a majority, leaving France on the brink of a hung Parliament and potential political paralysis.

The election results could have significant implications for France’s economy, the European Union, and global diplomacy, especially amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron's decision to call the election on June 9, after a far-right surge in the European Parliament elections, has seemingly backfired. Macron had hoped the election would provide "clarification," but the outcome has instead led to unprecedented political uncertainty.

Official results released early Monday show that the New Popular Front leftist coalition won over 180 seats, placing first. Macron's centrist alliance secured more than 160 seats, while Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally and its allies garnered more than 140 seats, a significant increase from their previous best of 89 seats in 2022. This outcome marks uncharted territory for modern France, which now faces a hung Parliament.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged the unprecedented political situation and expressed his readiness to resign later in the day. Attal, while preparing for the Paris Olympics, indicated his willingness to stay in his post as long as necessary. He criticized Macron's decision to dissolve the previous National Assembly, which had allowed the president's centrist alliance to govern for two years despite lacking an absolute majority.

The new legislature lacks the stability of its predecessor. As Macron prepares to attend a NATO summit in Washington, France faces uncertainty regarding its next prime minister and the possibility that Macron may have to share power with a political opponent.

Despite the turmoil, supporters of the left coalition celebrated their victory in Paris. In Stalingrad square and Republique plaza, people cheered, applauded, and hugged strangers as projections showed their alliance ahead. Marielle Castry, a 55-year-old medical secretary, described a sense of relief and joy among Parisians.

The election has redrawn France’s political map, uniting leftist parties into a coalition that opposes many of Macron's reforms and advocates for significant public spending and a tougher stance against Israel due to the conflict with Hamas. Macron criticized the coalition as "extreme" and warned that its economic policies could be detrimental to France.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent leader of the leftist coalition, declared that they are "ready to govern" and urged Macron to allow them to form the government and propose a prime minister.

The National Rally, despite winning more seats than ever before, fell short of its goal of an absolute majority. Far-right supporters expressed mixed feelings, with some disappointed but hopeful for future victories. Marine Le Pen, eyeing a fourth run for the presidency in 2027, stated that the elections set the stage for future success, although her sister, Marie-Caroline Le Pen, was narrowly defeated by a leftist candidate. AP