Nobody expected the left to clinch victory in the French elections, pushing the far-right into third place. Jean-Luc Mélenchon wasted no time in proclaiming victory, calling for a new governing coalition.
Despite the win, France is headed for a hung parliament, with no bloc having an outright majority. The election results have caused political instability, with President Macron’s centrists making an unexpected comeback.
The election saw high turnout, with strategic voting playing a key role in preventing the far-right from gaining power. The outcome has set the stage for a period of uncertainty in French politics.