The Latest | Macron asks French prime minister to stay on for the sake of stability

French President Emmanuel Macron rejected the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal Monday, in the wake of a chaotic election result that left neither left, right, nor center with a majority in the National Assembly.

A broad left-leaning coalition, the New Popular Front, took the most seats in Sunday’s runoff but fell short of a majority.

It surged ahead of the far-right National Rally, which placed third behind Macron's centrist party. Voter turnout was high.

The outcome leaves France facing the stunning prospect of a hung parliament and threatens political paralysis in a pillar of the European Union and Olympic host country.

The far right drastically increased the number of seats it holds in parliament but fell far short of expectations.

What happens next in this nuclear-armed nation has potential to impact the war in Ukraine, global diplomacy and Europe’s economic stability.

Currently:

— With French voters split between left, center and right, political paralysis threatens.

— Global markets are mixed as France faces weeks of uncertainty.

— Here's a guide to how French elections work and what could happen next.

— How Marcon went from successful political newcomer to weakened leader.

Here’s the latest:

French markets are taking the results of Sunday’s election in stride even though no political force won a majority and the country faces weeks of political uncertainty.

This comes as the scenario that had investors worried the most didn’t happen: a majority for either the left-wing New Popular Front or for the populist, anti-immigration National Rally of Marine Le Pen. Both have made expansive promises to increase social spending or in the National Rally’s case to cut taxes, steps that could have increased France’s already large budget deficit and led to financial turmoil.

The CAC-40 index — which includes the country’s biggest companies such as luxury goods makers LVMH and Hermes, cosmetics and personal care company L’Oreal and oil major TotalEnergies. —rose 0.2% to 7,692.97.

A key index of financial market tension eased slightly as the spread, or difference, between yields on French government bonds and highly safe German government bonds shrank from .77 percentage point to .62 percentage point.

Analysts said that without a clear majority in parliament, France may nonetheless struggle to reduce its budget deficit swollen by consumer support spending during the energy crisis which began when Russia cut off most supplies of natural gas over the invasion of Ukraine.

The government in Germany, which together with France has long been viewed as the engine of European integration, expressed relief Monday that the nationalist far right had not become the strongest party in its key partner country.

“For now, a certain relief prevails that things that we feared have not materialized,” a spokesperson for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin. “Only time will tell what happens with this election result and France will decide.”

“The German-French relationship is a very special one,” Steffen Hebestreit added. “It is certainly also the core for the fact that we are experiencing Europe in peace and freedom.”

Members of French President Emmanuel Macron’s Cabinet trickled into the presidential palace on Monday after chaotic election results left no political faction with a clear majority.

Among the arrivals late Monday morning were the prime minister named by Macron just seven months ago, and the interior minister.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has said he would offer his resignation Monday but said he would stay “as long as duty requires.” His departure would leave France without a head of government less than three weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics.

Attal on Sunday made clear that he disagreed with Macron’s decision to call the surprise elections. The results of two rounds of voting left no clear path to form a government for either the leftist coalition that came in first, Macron’s centrist alliance, or the far right.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron leave after voting for the second round of the legislative elections in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, northern France, Sunday July 7 2024. Voting has begun in mainland France on Sunday in pivotal runoff elections that could hand a historic victory to Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally and its inward-looking, anti-immigrant vision — or produce a hung parliament and political deadlock. (Mohammed Badra, Pool via AP)

Supporters of the Socialist Party react after the second round of the legislative elections, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at their election night headquarters in Paris. A coalition on the left that came together unexpectedly ahead of France's snap elections won the most parliamentary seats in the vote, according to polling projections Sunday. The surprise projections put President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance in second and the far right in third. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Supporters of the Socialist Party react after the second round of the legislative elections, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at their election night headquarters in Paris. A coalition on the left that came together unexpectedly ahead of France's snap elections won the most parliamentary seats in the vote, according to polling projections Sunday. The surprise projections put President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance in second and the far right in third. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Far-right National Rally party president Jordan Bardella delivers a speech after the second round of the legislative election, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the party election night headquarters in Paris. A coalition on the left that came together unexpectedly ahead of France's snap elections won the most parliamentary seats in the vote, according to polling projections Sunday. The surprise projections put President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance in second and the far right in third. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen answers reporters after the second round of the legislative election, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the party election night headquarters in Paris. A coalition on the left that came together unexpectedly ahead of France's snap elections won the most parliamentary seats in the vote, according to polling projections Sunday. The surprise projections put President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance in second and the far right in third. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen answers reporters after the second round of the legislative election, Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the party election night headquarters in Paris. A coalition on the left that came together unexpectedly ahead of France's snap elections won the most parliamentary seats in the vote, according to polling projections Sunday. The surprise projections put President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance in second and the far right in third. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Far-left La France Insoumise - LFI - (France Unbowed) founder Jean-Luc Melenchon, delivers his speech after the second round of the legislative elections Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Paris. A coalition on the left that came together unexpectedly ahead of France's snap elections won the most parliamentary seats in the vote, according to polling projections Sunday. The surprise projections put President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance in second and the far right in third. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal delivers a speech after the second round of the legislative elections, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Paris. A coalition of the French left that quickly banded together to beat a surging far right in legislative elections won the most seats in parliament but not a majority, according to polling projections Sunday, a stunning outcome that threatens to plunge the country into political and economic turmoil. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal walks back to the Prime Minister residence after delivering a speech following the second round of the legislative elections, Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Paris. A coalition of the French left that quickly banded together to beat a surging far right in legislative elections won the most seats in parliament but not a majority, according to polling projections Sunday, a stunning outcome that threatens to plunge the country into political and economic turmoil. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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WEEKEND COVERAGE

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For weekend stories, please click here for the Weekend Lookahead digest.

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TOP STORIES

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MIDEAST-WARS — An Israeli strike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip killed at least 19 people, Palestinian officials said, as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Beirut in its widening war on Iran-allied militant groups across the region. Israel is still battling Hamas in Gaza nearly a year after its Oct. 7 attack, and has opened a new front against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been trading fire with Israel along the border since the war in Gaza began. By Samy Magdy and Wafaa Shurafa. SENT: 850 words, photos, video.

MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-THE-DISPLACED — The Abu Jarad family lost the stability and comfort of their northern Gaza home when Israel launched its campaign in retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. They did exactly as the Israelis ordered in the devastating weeks and months of war that followed. They obeyed evacuation calls. They moved where the military told them to. They fled seven times. Each one, their lives became more unrecognizable, crowding with strangers in a school, searching for water in a tent camp or sleeping on the street. By Wafaa Shurafa. SENT: 1,760 words, photos. An abridged version is available. With MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-BORN-ON-OCT.-7 — Born on Oct. 7, Ali’s first year has played out against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war; and MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-PHOTO-GALLERY — SENT. See more on war in the Middle East below.

HURRICANE-HELENE — The death toll from Hurricane Helene inched up to 227 as the grim task of recovering bodies continued more than a week after the monster storm ravaged the Southeast and killed people in six states. By Bruce Schreiner. SENT: 700 words, photos. With HURRICANE-HELENE-RESCUER-DEATH — A Tennessee nurse and his dog died trying to save a man from floods driven by Hurricane Helene; TROPICAL-WEATHER-ATLANTIC — Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf, could intensify as a hurricane and threaten Florida — SENT.

HELENE-ONE-TOWN’S-STRUGGLE — Hurricane Helene left a devastating mark on the small Latino community that makes up a disproportionate number of workers at a plastics factory in Erwin, Tennessee. Six of its workers were swept away, four of them Mexican Americans. Loved ones and supporters have been gathering for vigils in front of churches, a high school and a grocery store to honor those lost. They question why Impact Plastics workers weren’t told to leave the job sooner. By Leah Willingham. SENT: 1,150 words, photos.

ELECTION 2024-TRUMP — Donald Trump rallied supporters at the same Pennsylvania grounds where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, setting aside near-constant worries for his physical safety. He urged a large crowd to deliver an Election Day victory that he tied to his survival of the shooting. By Julie Carr Smyth, Jill Colvin and Adriana Gomez Licon. SENT: 1,300 words, photos, video, audio. With ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-MUSK — Elon Musk makes first appearance at Trump rally casting election in dire terms; ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-PHOTO-GALLERY — SENT.

AFFORDABLE-HOUSING-DISAPPEARING — While Americans continue to struggle under high rents, as many as 223,0000 affordable housing units could disappear in the next five years. Those units were built with the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which gives developers tax credits in exchange for keeping rents low. But there’s a catch. The buildings typically only need to be kept affordable for a minimum of 30 years. By Jesse Bedyan and Arushi Gupta. SENT: 1,380 words, photos. With AFFORDABLE-HOUSING-DISAPPEARING-TAKEAWAYS — SENT. This is the Monday Spotlight.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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GEORGIA-DOUKHOBORS — Members of a pacifist Christian sect that emerged in 18th century Russia were exiled to Georgia about 200 years ago for refusing to serve in the tsarist army and rejecting orthodox rituals. The Doukhobors established 10 villages in Georgia, where they prospered as farmers and maintained their pacifist principles. But the sect continued to suffer persecution under successive Russian and Soviet regimes. By Kostya Manenkov. SENT: 1,070 words, photos.

AFGHANISTAN-EARTHQUAKE-ANNIVERSARY — The devastating earthquake that hit western Afghanistan’s Herat province a year ago was a major challenge for the Taliban. Nobody knows for sure how many people died in the 6.3 magnitude quake on Oct. 7, 2023, or in the strong aftershocks that followed. Residents say the Taliban helped at first by opening hospitals and caring for the displaced but that the aid soon stopped. By Riazat Butt and Omid Haqjoo. SENT: 890 words, photos.

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MIDEAST WARS

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MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-CAMPUS-PROTESTS — Campuses across the U.S. have been calmer in the wake of last spring’s protests, yet many are mired in a lingering unease. Students say they’re reluctant to speak out for fear it could pit them against students, professors or employers. Social bubbles have cemented along the divisions of the war. New protest rules on many campuses raise the risk of suspension or expulsion. SENT: 1,200 words, photos. With MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-GLOBAL-PROTESTS — Thousands join pro-Palestinian rallies around the globe as Oct. 7 anniversary nears — SENT.

LEBANON-DIASPORA — For generations, many people in Lebanon have wrestled with whether to leave to seek better opportunities or escape various times of tumult. Now, many members of Lebanon’s vast, far-flung diaspora are contending with the new ripples of violence and destruction in their homeland. Some are grieving; others are gripped by fear for loved ones still living there. SENT: 1,180 words, photos.

LEBANON-ISRAEL-MEDICS - A hospital director in southern Lebanon says Israel’s military struck outside its gates without warning on Friday, killing seven paramedics and forcing the facility to close. The account to The Associated Press described one of the most deadly attacks on health workers in the weeks since fighting escalated between Israel and Hezbollah. SENT: 650 words, photos.

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MORE NEWS

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T25-ALABAMA-VANDERBILT — Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in historic college football victory. SENT: 800 words, photos.

T25-CHAOS SATURDAY — Chaos hits AP poll with four teams ranked in the top 11 losing to unranked opponents. SENT: 740 words, photos.

NLDS-DODGERS-OHTANI’S-DEBUT — The Big Sho: Ohtani hits tying 3-run homer in playoff debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in NLDS win. SENT: 590 words, photos.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION 2024-HARRIS — Vice President Kamala Harris pledged ongoing federal support as she visited North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, her second trip in four days to the disaster zone. The Democratic presidential nominee met with state and local officials in Charlotte, where she praised the work of strangers helping strangers. SENT: 680 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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DAUNTE-WRIGHT-OFFICER-TRAINING — A former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of killing Daunte Wright during a traffic stop is out of prison and delivering presentations at law enforcement conferences. Kim Potter’s presence at training conferences has stirred up a heated debate over how officers punished for misconduct should atone for their misdeeds. SENT: 1,140 words, photos, video.

ILLINOIS-EX-HOUSE-SPEAKER — Once lauded as the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power. SENT: 920 words, photos.

MORMON-CONFERENCE — A top leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is urging members to “avoid what is harsh and hateful” in the heat of election season. As both presidential campaigns have stepped up efforts to win over religious voters in western swing states such as Arizona and Nevada, church official Dallin H. Oaks encouraged congregants at the faith’s twice-annual general conference to steer clear of contention and be peacemakers in their communities one month out from the Nov. 5 election. SENT: 680 words, photos.

EX-NY GOVERNOR ATTACKED — Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson sustained minor injuries when they were assaulted on a Manhattan street by four men and a woman as they went for an evening walk, police said. SENT: 350 words, photo.

POLICE-KNIFE-ATTACK-CALIFORNIA — Police in California say an officer has fatally shot a man who wounded him with a knife outside a city police headquarters in what authorities called an unprovoked attack. SENT: 210 words.

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INTERNATIONAL

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BALKANS-FLOODS — Rescue teams from Bosnia’s neighbors and European Union countries are joining efforts to clear rubble and find people still missing after floods and landslides devastated parts of the Balkan country. SENT: 270 words, photos.

NORTH-KOREA-CHINA — The leaders of North Korea and China marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations by exchanging messages that expressed hopes for stronger ties, as outsiders raised questions about their relationship. SENT: 430 words, photos. With KOREAS-TENSIONS-YOON — South Korean leader says North Korea wants U.S. attention by showing off nuclear might — SENT.

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SPORTS

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BASEBALL CAPSULES — The Cleveland Guardians unleashed their lights-out bullpen to complete a four-hitter in a 7-0 win over the Tigers in an AL Division Series opener, while it was New York over Kansas City in their AL Division Series opener. The Mets broke through for five runs in the eighth inning against a pair of All-Star relievers as they rallied for a win over Philadelphia in Game 1 of their NL Division Series. SENT: 460 words, photo.

76ERS-NEW-ARENA-CHINATOWN — Chinatown activists are rallying to block a planned $1.3 billion arena for the Philadelphia 76ers that recently won the support of Mayor Cherelle Parker. Owners of the Sixers hope to get city council’s approval for the downtown site by year’s end so they can open the arena by 2031. Several neighborhood groups oppose the plan, fearing gridlock on game days and rising rents. SENT: 1,080 words, photos, video.

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HOW TO REACH US

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, middle left, drops his bat while watching his three-run home run off San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease, foreground, during the second inning in Game 1 of baseball's NL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks alongside North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, right, near a C-17 cargo plane after receiving a briefing on the damage from Hurricane Helene, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk walks to the stage to speak alongside Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens as Christopher Macchio, not pictured, sings at the conclusion of a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Daniel Delgado reaches to touch a photo of his wife, Monica Hernandez, who died at Impact Plastics during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, at a vigil for victims of the tragedy in Erwin, Tenn., on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Palestinians search for survivors and bodies in the rubble of a mosque destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A man rides his scooter as he drives on the debris of destroyed buildings that were hit by Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Flames and smoke rise from an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, early Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)