The French parliament is divided among far-left, center, and far-right factions, with no single group achieving the majority needed to form a government.
President Emmanuel Macron, who has three years remaining in his term, had hoped that calling snap elections would provide a “moment of clarification,” but the results have painted a different picture.
This outcome, less than three weeks before the start of the Summer Olympics in Paris, places France in the spotlight on the international stage.
Second-round results tallied early Monday revealed that a leftist coalition has secured the most seats in parliament, according to The AP.
Macron’s centrist alliance holds the second-largest faction, requiring the president to forge alliances to govern effectively. Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, meanwhile, finished in third place following efforts to limit its candidates’ influence.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation on Monday, although he may remain in his position throughout the Olympics or beyond if necessary.
Official results released early Monday showed that all three main blocs fell far short of the 289 seats needed to control the 577-seat National Assembly, the more powerful chamber of the French Parliament.
Just over 180 seats are now held by the New Popular Front leftist coalition, while Macron’s centrist alliance has more than 160 seats, and Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies hold over 140 seats.