Macron Accepts Prime Minister Attal’s Resignation Amid Political Uncertainty

French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's resignation, requesting him to remain as caretaker until a new government is formed. This political shift unfolds just days before the Olympics in France, amidst an indecisive parliamentary landscape.

French President Emmanuel Macron has officially accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. According to a press release from the Elysee Palace, Macron has requested Attal to continue managing the caretaker government until a new administration is appointed.

This political development occurs just ahead of the Olympics, set to commence in France next week. Recent parliamentary elections saw the left-wing coalition New Popular Front (NFP) become the largest bloc but unable to agree on a prime ministerial candidate due to internal conflicts.

The NFP, comprising multiple parties from the far-left France Unbowed to the moderate Socialists and Ecologists, secured 182 seats in the National Assembly—short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority. Traditionally, the French president appoints a prime minister from the largest parliamentary group, but ambiguity remains over who that will be.

In a July 16 press release, Macron emphasized the need for Republican forces to collaborate and serve the French populace. Macron's Ensemble (ENS) alliance won 163 seats, placing second, while Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) secured 143 seats for third place. Attal had offered to resign post-elections, but Macron asked him to stay on as caretaker.

French lawmakers are scheduled to convene on Thursday to elect the president of the National Assembly, requiring a majority vote from the 577-seat body. If the initial votes are inconclusive, the candidate with the largest support will be chosen in a subsequent round. Post-resignation, Attal and his cabinet colleagues who serve as lawmakers will participate in this crucial vote.

(With inputs from agencies.)