French Lawmakers Face Intense Battle to Elect Assembly President Amid Political Uncertainty

In a crucial vote, French lawmakers are set to elect the assembly's president, a move pivotal for future political dynamics post an inconclusive election. With President Macron's centrists weakened and multiple parties vying for influence, the outcome could shape the next government and its effectiveness.

In a tightly contested race, French lawmakers voted on Thursday to elect the assembly's president, a position critical for steering the nation's political future after this month's inconclusive election. The final result is anticipated late Thursday evening.

The snap parliamentary elections held on June 30 and July 7 saw an unexpected victory for a coalition of leftist parties, surpassing President Emmanuel Macron's centrists and Marine Le Pen's far-right faction. Yet, no single party secured a clear majority, leaving the lower house of parliament in a state of flux.

The election of the lower house president, equivalent to a speaker, who manages the chamber's agenda and debates, is usually a routine process. However, this time it has gained tremendous importance. President Macron, facing weakened support, and an intensely fragmented parliament need clarity on who will form the next government and its potential efficacy. The vote might reveal whether a coalition government with a working majority is viable and its political complexion.

The New Popular Front (NFP) left-wing alliance, formed shortly before the snap election, is eager to lead the government despite internal disputes over the prime ministerial candidate. Their bet is on veteran Communist lawmaker Andre Chassaigne for parliament chief, hoping his election would indicate their capacity to command a majority.

In contrast, Macron's Together group aims to re-elect the outgoing parliament chief, Yael Braun-Pivet, potentially through negotiations with conservatives and other factions. Their goal is to bolster mainstream parties' ability to create a coalition government that might integrate elements of the NFP, excluding hard-left France Unbowed.

Far-right National Rally (RN), though unlikely to secure the speaker's role, eyes other significant assembly positions, including the finance committee chair. Even though Chassaigne led the first round of voting, he fell short of the needed absolute majority. Second place went to RN's Sebastien Chenu, and Braun-Pivet took third. Braun-Pivet seems most likely to gain cross-party support in subsequent rounds. Voting secrecy and inter-round alliances mean a second-round win is improbable; a third-round vote-getter will prevail.

Attention will shift to government formation post-presidential election. Although Centrist Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has resigned, he continues in a caretaker role for now. This interim government might persist until after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Due to constitutional rules, no snap election can occur within a year, but RN lawmaker Philippe Ballard highlighted the current parliament's fragility, suggesting another dissolution may be the only viable resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)