Some reactions to the victory of the left in France:
Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister: "In Paris enthusiasm, in Moscow disappointment, in Kyiv relief. Enough to be happy in Warsaw."
Paolo Gentiloni, European commissioner for economy: "Vive la Republique!"
Nils Schmid, German MP and foreign policy spokesperson for the Spd party: "The worst is avoided, the RN cannot form a governing majority. [...] The president is politically weakened, even if he retains a central role in view of the unclear majority situation. Forming a government will be complicated."
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal: "Tonight, the [political] extremes have no absolute majority, thanks to our determination and the strength of our values. We (centrists) have three times more MPs than were predicted at the start of this campaign. Being prime minister was the honour of my life. This evening the political group that I represent no longer has a majority and tomorrow morning I will submit my resignation to the president."
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, National Rally party: "The tide is rising. It did not rise high enough this time, but it continues to rise and, therefore, our victory is only delayed. I have too much experience to be disappointed by a result where we double our number of deputies. Emmanuel Macron must now manage the situation that he imposed on the French ... [with] the left, in reality with the influence of the extreme left leading ... I don’t know how he will do it."