French PM looks to rebuild political support after party backing

• Attal and other ministers contemplate a future outside government.
• Macron’s allies followed in second place with 164 seats, while the far-right National Rally came in third with 143 seats.
• Macron will appoint the next prime minister, who must win a confidence vote in parliament.

On Saturday, France’s prime minister was elected as the leader of his party’s National Assembly lawmakers, as politicians from all sides vied for positions to shape the next government.

Gabriel Attal was the sole candidate in the vote held by the Renaissance Party parliamentary group. He intends to utilize this position as a foundation to rebuild the political strength that was significantly weakened in a snap election called by President Emmanuel Macron.

Out of the 98 Renaissance deputies eligible to vote, 84 supported Attal, who will assume his role next week.

As Attal and other ministers contemplate a future outside government, significant rifts have emerged between the 35-year-old premier and his former mentor Macron.

Observers noted that Macron did not receive any mention in Attal’s message to Renaissance deputies outlining his leadership bid. The prime minister blamed the president for calling the vote, which he claimed brought the party to the brink of “extinction.”

In Sunday’s election runoff, the National Assembly ended without an overall majority. However, a broad alliance — named the New Popular Front of Socialists, Communists, Greens, and the hard-left France Unbowed — secured the most seats, totaling 193 in the 577-member lower chamber.

Macron’s allies followed in second place with 164 seats, while the far-right National Rally came in third with 143 seats.

According to the constitution, Macron will appoint the next prime minister, who must be capable of winning a confidence vote in parliament.

This appointment could occur as early as next week when the new National Assembly session commences. Macron could also consider asking Attal to remain in office while Paris hosts the Olympic Games, beginning on July 26.

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