French President Macron refuses PM’s resignation amid election aftermath

French President Emmanuel Macron has refused the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, asking him on Monday to remain temporarily at the helm of the government following chaotic election results that left the administration in a state of uncertainty.

The election results saw French voters split the legislature among the left, center, and far right, leaving no faction with a majority needed to form a government. This outcome raises the risk of paralysis for the European Union’s second-largest economy.

Macron had gambled that calling snap elections would provide a “moment of clarification” for France. However, the results, coming less than three weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics, have instead deepened the political crisis.

France’s main share index dipped at the opening but quickly recovered, possibly because markets had feared a decisive victory by either the far right or the leftist coalition.

Prime Minister Attal, who had expressed willingness to remain in office if necessary, offered his resignation on Monday morning. Macron, who appointed Attal just seven months ago, immediately asked him to stay on “to ensure the stability of the country.” The meeting at the presidential palace, which included Macron’s top political allies, lasted about 90 minutes.

Attal had publicly disagreed with Macron’s decision to call the surprise elections. The two rounds of voting produced no clear path to form a government for either the leftist coalition, which secured the most votes, Macron’s centrist alliance, or the far right.