STORY: While Macron's "Ensemble" grouping secured the largest number of lawmakers in the 577-seat National Assembly, it fell short of an absolute majority in a vote on Sunday (June 19) that saw a left-wing alliance and the far-right perform strongly.

Final figures showed Macron's centrist camp got 245 seats - well below the 289 needed to control parliament.

Parisians on Monday questioned Macron's authority following the loss of his majority.

"I think a president must have an absolute majority in order to govern," said one man, who gave his name as Yohann, adding that he hoped opposition MPs wouldn't "obstruct the country" from moving forward.

"I'm happy that Macron does not have absolute majority, that's what I wanted. This way, he cannot do whatever wants for the next five years and worsen life, quite simply," said Sandra Belliot who voted for the National Rally party.

The vote was a painful setback for Macron, 44, who was re-elected in April. In his second and final term, he wants to deepen European Union integration, raise the retirement age and inject new life into France's nuclear industry.

Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party won its largest ever representation in the lower house, while a resurgent left- wing bloc, Nupes, headed by the hard-left Jean-Luc Melenchon will form the largest opposition force.