Electoral shock: Macron's coalition faces uncertain future
Electoral shock, surprise, and bitter defeat for President Emmanuel Macron – this is how the German media comment on the forecast results of the first round of parliamentary elections in France. They predict that France may face tough negotiations to form a coalition after the second round of elections.
"Bild" described the post-election forecasts as a "shock" for President Macron. It is an "electoral shock in France" – commented the newspaper.
"Sueddeutsche Zeitung" assessed that the result of the parliamentary elections in France is a "bitter defeat for Macron". "He had hoped to enlarge the relative majority of his centrist forces in the lower house thanks to early elections. Now it seems extremely unlikely," assessed "SZ".
"If none of the camps gains an absolute majority in the second round of elections, France will face tough negotiations to form a coalition" – added the newspaper.
Results of the early elections
According to exit polls in the first round of elections, the far-right National Rally (RN) obtained about 20% of Macron's camp, which is in third place, with about 34%. The New People's Front, a left-wing party alliance, achieved between 28% and 29%.
Despite the victory, it is still uncertain whether Le Pen's party will gain the majority of seats in the second round on 7 July and who will ultimately be the Prime Minister. President Macron has already assured that he will not step down from his current office regardless of who wins the second round.
