In a significant political development, centrist Yael Braun-Pivet has been re-elected as Speaker of the French National Assembly on Thursday evening. Securing a relative majority of 220 votes in the intense third round of voting, Braun-Pivet demonstrates continued confidence from her peers.
Veteran Communist Andre Chassaigne closely followed with 207 votes, while far-right candidate Sebastien Chenu garnered 141 votes. The tightly contested election underscores the diverse political landscape within the Assembly.
Addressing the Assembly after her re-election, Braun-Pivet emphasized the immense responsibility that comes with her role. \"We have no choice. We must agree, we must cooperate, and we must be able to seek compromises,\" she stated, reflecting the centrist coalition's push for unity and collaboration.
Braun-Pivet also urged the newly elected deputies to \"provide solutions\" and represent the French populace with \"new methods,\" signaling a call for innovative approaches in governance and policymaking.
The recent legislative elections, held on June 30 and July 7, saw Macron's centrist coalition securing 163 seats, positioning them as the second-largest group in the 577-member National Assembly. Meanwhile, the left-wing alliance, the New Popular Front (NFP), emerged with a relative majority of 182 seats.
According to French electoral laws, if no candidate achieves an absolute majority in the first two rounds, the candidate with a relative majority in the third round is elected. Braun-Pivet's victory in the third round ensures stable leadership as France navigates its current political climate.
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Yael Braun-Pivet re-elected Speaker of French National Assembly
cgtn.com
