France faced political stalemate after Sunday's elections resulted in a hung parliament. A leftist coalition surprisingly emerged as the leading group, though no party secured an outright majority.

Voters dealt a significant blow to Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN). Despite opinion polls forecasting a win in the second-round ballot, the RN ended up in third place, according to pollsters' projections.

Indeed, the left-wing New Popular Front coalition (NPF) is predicted to win the most seats (182) in the second voting round of parliamentary elections, Sky News reports.

Whilst President Emmanuel Macron's centrist group, Ensemble, is forecast to win 163 seats with National Rally (RN) in third on an estimated 143 seats, according to BFM TV.

Le Pen said a victory for RN had “merely been delayed,” going on to add that she “sees the seeds of tomorrow's victory in today's result.”

Whereas RN president Jordan Bardella commented: “We've been thrown into the arms of the extreme left and of Jean-Luc Melenchon.

“I know how many millions of French people must be frustrated,” he continued.

Furthermore, Macron’s office stated: “The president, as guarantor of our institutions, will respect the choice of the French people.”

It also said that he was analysing the results and awaiting a complete picture of the situation.

The NFP which aims to cap prices of essential goods such as fuel and food, raise the minimum wage to a net €1,600 per month, increase wages for public sector workers, and impose a wealth tax, promptly declared its intention to govern, Reuters reports.

“The will of the people must be strictly respected ... the president must invite the New Popular Front to govern,” said hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon.

In addition, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a member of Macron's Renaissance party, announced that he will offer his resignation.

“Even though we had three times better results than being envisaged, it doesn't mean that it's a majority,” he said.

“So, faithful to the Republican tradition, I will actually withdraw tomorrow morning.”

France is now headed for a hung parliament, divided among three sizable groups, unless the left can form alliances with other parties.