Conceivably, Chirac and his allies might win a parliamentary majority, which could stabilize the government, but if they fall short, they might be tempted to forge coalitions with Le Pen’s partisans. The worst-case scenario? France could find itself with a Parliament so divided that no clear majority exists and no lasting coalition can be formed. The president will be able to appoint a prime minister and cabinet, but legislation would require ad hoc coalitions for every measure, and under the Constitution no new elections could be held for more than a year. “The country runs the risk of becoming unmanageable,” says political scientist Yves Meny.
