As the new French legislative session approaches, a fierce behind-the-scenes battle is underway for key positions in the National Assembly.

The left-wing coalition, after its surprising first-place finish and relative majority, is asserting its victory.

They aim to impose a cohabitation prime minister on Emmanuel Macron before week's end.

On Tuesday, newly elected deputies began arriving at the lower house, with carefully orchestrated entrances.

The left wants to 'govern' and claims to be 'ready'.

Meanwhile, former President François Hollande, now a deputy from Corrèze, made a notable return to the Assembly, coinciding with a sudden downpour in Paris.