French Political Turmoil: Macron Keeps Attal as Caretaker PM Amid Stalemate

Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal but retained him as head of a caretaker government. The decision comes as France gears up for the Paris Olympics. The recent parliamentary elections left no dominant bloc in the National Assembly, leading to political impasse among major parties.

Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal but kept him on as head of a caretaker government, as France gears up for the Paris Olympics. Macron's office stated that Attal and other ministers will handle current affairs until a new government is appointed.

Following parliamentary elections that resulted in no dominant political bloc, the National Assembly is set for an opening session on Thursday. France faces governmental paralysis, with three major political groupings— the New Popular Front, Macron's centrist allies, and the far-right National Rally— unable to form a majority.

Internal strife within the leftist coalition has hindered the formation of a new government, with Socialist leader Olivier Faure calling for resumed discussions. National Rally's Sebastien Chenu criticized Macron's decision, describing it as a denial of democracy, while political battles for key parliamentary positions continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)