French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to Resign After Election Setback

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced on Sunday that he would be stepping down following the underperformance of the ‘Ensemble’ camp in the legislative elections, citing a lack of absolute majority. Attal stated that he will tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, July 8.

According to projections by Elabe, the ‘Ensemble’ group is expected to secure between 157 to 174 seats, placing second behind the Nouveau Front populaire (New Popular Front) with 178-205 seats, but ahead of the Rassemblement national (National Rally) with 113-148 seats, with no clear majority in sight.

Attal expressed satisfaction with the results, which exceeded initial estimates, noting that they have tripled their number of deputies from the campaign’s outset. He emphasized that no extreme majority can be formed tonight, steering away from outcomes led by far-left ‘France insoumise,’ the far-right, or the disappearance of the ruling party, Ensemble.

While affirming that the dissolution of the Assembly was not his doing, Attal stated his willingness to continue his duties until a new head of government is appointed, as long as duty requires. If his resignation is accepted, he would rank as the second-shortest-serving Prime Minister after Bernard Cazeneuve, who held office for five months under Francois Hollande.

In the Sunday elections, the Nouveau Front populaire emerged as the top contender with 178 to 205 seats, followed by Ensemble with 157 to 174 seats. Rassemblement national and allies, initially strong in the first round, now trail behind with 113 to 148 seats. None of the blocs managed to secure an absolute majority in the National Assembly.