A left-wing alliance in France, the New Popular Front (NFP), has secured the most seats in the National Assembly, but the result leaves the country in a political deadlock as no party achieved an absolute majority. The NFP’s win thwarts the ambitions of the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, who fell short of expectations despite a strong showing in the first round of voting.
South Africa’s parliament will convene on Friday to elect a new president, despite no ruling coalition emerging from the hung mandate election. The ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, is in talks with other parties to form a government, but negotiations have stalled. The EFF has rejected a unity government proposal, while the MK has challenged the election results. President Ramaphosa has urged parties to work together, but the MK has said it will not support the ANC if he remains in power.
