Politics Parliamentary election in France: Left surprisingly ahead

According to initial projections, the left-wing alliance is surprisingly ahead in the parliamentary elections in France. The right-wing nationalist Rassemblement National could therefore only end up in third place behind the center camp of President Emmanuel Macron, as the broadcasters TF1 and France 2 reported after the polls closed. Neither camp is likely to achieve an absolute majority of 289 seats.

According to the figures, the left-wing alliance Nouveau Front Populaire could end up with 172 to 215 of the 577 seats, Macron's forces with 150 to 180 and the Rassemblement National (RN) led by Marine Le Pen and her allies with 120 to 152.

The result is a big surprise. After the first round of voting a week ago, forecasts still saw the RN just below an absolute majority and therefore possibly in a position to form the next government. The shift to the right is now less pronounced than expected.

What happens next is unclear for the time being. The result gives rise to various future scenarios. The left could try to get support from the center forces - either as a minority government with acquiescence or in a kind of grand coalition. In view of the opposing political orientations, however, it is not clear whether this could succeed.

It is unclear whether head of state Macron would be politically forced to appoint a prime minister from the ranks of the left in such a scenario. The National Assembly can topple the government.

With a prime minister from the left, Macron would have to share power. The prime minister would become more important. What this would mean for Germany and Europe is unclear. The left-wing alliance is divided and holds very different positions on many major political issues.

Should none of the camps find a governing majority, the current government could remain in office as a transitional government or an expert government could be appointed. In such a scenario, France would be threatened with political gridlock.