Braun-Pivet’s election came when the newly constituted parliament held its first session since Macron’s party lost its majority.

Macron’s centrist alliance Ensemble (Together) still has the most seats in the National Assembly — France’s most powerful house of parliament, but no longer enjoys majority to enable it to comfortably adopt laws.

Braun-Pivet is a former Socialist who joined Macron’s party in 2016 and a relative newcomer to law-making. She was chosen by secret ballot over candidates from rival parties.

(With UNI inputs)