In France’s parliamentary elections, a left-wing coalition unexpectedly took the lead over the far right, dealing a blow to centrist President Emmanuel Macron, who had called a general election to bring political clarity.
Here’s what some political leaders are saying about the results…
Former French President Francois Hollande
“The New Popular Front must realize what it has to do today. The New Popular Front is the strongest party in the National Assembly. It’s not an absolute majority. It’s a relative majority as I speak.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
“Enthusiasm in Paris, disappointment in Moscow, relief in Kiev. Enough to be happy in Warsaw.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
“There are battles that last only a few days but decide the fate of mankind. France experienced one of those battles.”
Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economic Affairs
“Long live the Republic!”
Nils Schmidt, a member of the German parliament and foreign police spokesman for the Social Democrats in the German Bundestag
“The worst has been averted. The uncertainty over the majority situation leaves the president politically weakened, even if he maintains a central role. Forming a government will be complicated.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SanchezThe party congratulated the New Popular Front on its victory, saying it had “prevented the far right from reaching government.”
Andre Ventura, leader of Portugal’s far-right party Chegacalled the outcome “a disaster for the economy, a tragedy for immigrants, and bad for the fight against corruption.”
