The centrist Ensemble! The Alliance of French President Emmanuel Macron lost its majority in the lower chamber of parliament in the second round of national elections on Sunday. According to projections, Macron's supporters would gain 245 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, surpassing opposing blocs but falling 44 seats shy of a majority.

The socialist Nupes coalition, led by extremist Jean-Luc Melenchon, placed second with approximately 131 seats. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party boosted its headquarters from eight in 2017 to 89 in 2018, strengthening its drive into the mainstream.

The loss of an absolute majority will not entirely thwart Macron's plan if he can arrange partnerships with other parties. Still, it will grant legislators far more authority than they had in Macron's first term.

Le Pen's party, for instance, now has a large enough bloc to request seats on crucial committees, like a parliamentary inquiry committee, or to compel discussion of a motion of censure against Macron's cabinet, thereby setting up a future vote of no confidence.