Also in this newsletter: is Brussels improperly spending billions in cohesion funding?
Many are relieved to see extremes neutralised, but political gridlock and rise of the left sparks concern
With a divided legislature and a weakened president, the nation is in uncharted territory
Explore France’s snap election for the National Assembly in maps and charts
Nouveau Front Populaire bloc won the most parliamentary seats in snap election but fell short of majority
A hastily assembled leftist bloc beat back the challenge from Marine Le Pen’s RN — for now
Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National falls well short of expected gains in parliament
Also in this newsletter: why the UK election result is a harbinger of thawing relations with the EU
Complicated talks lie ahead after snap elections result in hung parliament
Far right’s defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary elections could prove a temporary setback
Fractured polls raise possibility of divisive far-right government or hung parliament
Far right leader has won over some French Jews with her tough stance on Islamism, with far left now seen as a threat
Whatever happens on Sunday, a credible, broad-based alternative to the RN is crucial
Ipsos projects a closer race likely to result in a hung parliament
Also in this newsletter: Bulgaria tries yet again to form a stable government
The electoral mauling is so severe that his ability to complete his term is now in question
Stocks and euro rise as some second-round candidates could be pulled to try to boost vote against Rassemblement National
Far-right Rassemblement National has broadened its appeal but its path to a majority remains uncertain
Also in this newsletter: the Socialists’ message to Ursula von der Leyen
President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists fall to third place behind leftwing alliance
Millions will have to opt between supporting the far right or a bloc dominated by the far left in parliamentary elections
Almost 60% of votes already cast by late afternoon, the highest turnout in nearly four decades
Some businesses court Le Pen’s party despite lingering concerns about its reputation and commitment to work with executive in a shared government
Emmanuel Macron wanted to save France from the far right. It has never been closer to power
Having called new legislative elections, the French leader now faces the revenge of the extremes
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