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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jon Henley in Paris

Five takeaways from the French elections – and what could happen next

Marine Le Pen embraces a supporter in Henin-Beaumont, northern France
Marine Le Pen embraces a supporter after the first results of the parliamentary elections in Henin-Beaumont, northern France. Photograph: Denis Charlet/AFP/Getty Images

Emmanuel Macron’s alliance remains the largest force in France’s parliament, but the president – comfortably re-elected eight weeks ago – lost his overall majority amid a strong electoral showing by a new leftist coalition and a historic far-right surge.

Here are five key takeaways from a shock legislative election that leaves the centrist leader needing to strike difficult deals with other parties to deliver his promised reforms – and that could yet plunge France into political chaos.

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