French election: Macron loses absolute majority in parliament in 'democratic shock'

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron enters a polling booth to cast his vote during the first round of French parliamentary elections, at a polling station in Le Touquet, France, June 12, 2022. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS//File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron lost control of the National Assembly in legislative elections on Sunday, a major setback that could throw the country into political paralysis unless he is able to negotiate alliances with other parties.

Macron's centrist Ensemble coalition, which wants to raise the retirement age and further deepen EU integration, was on course to end up with the most seats in Sunday's election.