In a surprising turn of events, the leftist New Popular Front (NFP) clinched the top position in the second round of the French legislative election on Sunday. This unexpected result saw the far-right National Rally (RN) drop to third place.

The NFP coalition secured 182 seats, while French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble ("Together") alliance came in second with 168 seats, according to provisional results from France's Interior Ministry. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally and its allies ended in third place with 143 seats, a significant drop from the predictions after the first round of voting, which had suggested a strong showing for the anti-immigration populists.

Following the left-wing victory, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, an ally of Macron who had opposed the snap election, offered his resignation. However, President Macron rejected Attal's resignation on Monday, asking him to remain in office temporarily to ensure the country's stability.

None of the parties achieved an absolute majority in parliament, leading to a fragmented chamber with various political groups holding different stances on key issues and little history of cooperation. This hung parliament could lead to political chaos, with weeks of negotiations needed to determine the next prime minister. Macron, facing growing unpopularity, might have to lead the country alongside a prime minister opposing his centrist policies.

Attal, from Macron's Renaissance party, had headed a minority coalition government since January, replacing the previous centrist government that collapsed after the passing of a controversial immigration bill. This election was widely viewed as a gamble by Macron to break the parliamentary deadlock and secure a majority, a move that now appears unlikely to succeed.

Macron's office stated that he will "wait for the new National Assembly to organize itself" before taking steps on a new government. The National Assembly is scheduled to convene in full session for the first time on July 18.