3/ Many from the French opposition called Macron to dissolve parliament and set new national election almost immediately after the exit polls, but few expected that Macron would heed such suggestions and so soon.

Macron's Renaissance (former Republic on the March) actually lacks majority in National Assembly following 2022 elections and Gabriel Attal's cabinet runs the country as minority government, being supported by minor centre-right and centre-left parties on ad hoc basis.

Macron, who had won presidential elections in 2017 and 2022, is barred from seeking third mandat in 2027.