Macron Faces Backlash Over Decision
France is experiencing political turmoil after President Emmanuel Macron declined to appoint a prime minister from the leftwing coalition that secured the most parliamentary seats in last month’s snap election. The president’s refusal to select the New Popular Front’s (NFP) nominee has intensified the deadlock in the Assemblée Nationale, which is now divided into three nearly equal factions—left, center, and far right—none of which holds a majority.
Consultations Fail to Break Deadlock
Macron had hoped that consultations with party and parliamentary leaders would resolve the political impasse, allowing him to appoint a prime minister who could command cross-party support. However, after two days of discussions, Macron’s decision not to choose the NFP’s candidate was met with anger and threats of impeachment.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the Elysée described the talks as “fair, sincere, and useful,” but acknowledged that they had failed to produce a workable solution. Macron argued that a government led by the NFP—which includes France Unbowed (LFI), the Socialist Party (PS), the Greens (EELV), and the Communist Party (PCF)—would face an immediate vote of no confidence, effectively rendering it powerless. He stated that “such a government would immediately have a majority of more than 350 MPs against it, effectively preventing it from acting.”
Further Consultations Planned
The president announced that further consultations with party leaders and veteran politicians would begin on Tuesday. “At this unprecedented time in the Fifth Republic, when the expectations of the French people are high, the head of state calls on all political leaders to rise to the occasion by demonstrating a spirit of responsibility,” the statement read. Macron emphasized his responsibility to ensure that the country is neither blocked nor weakened.
Leftwing Coalition Responds with Outrage
The NFP responded by declaring that it would not participate in further talks unless the discussion centered on forming a government. The coalition, which emerged victorious against the far-right National Rally (RN) in the second round of the July legislative election, insists that any new prime minister should come from its ranks. The NFP has proposed Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist and director of financial affairs at Paris City Hall, as its candidate.
After Macron’s announcement, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the LFI president, accused the president of creating an “exceptionally serious situation” and called for demonstrations to demand that Macron “respect democracy.” The LFI also announced plans to present a motion of impeachment against Macron, asserting that he does not respect the outcome of the election, which placed the NFP at the top of the polls.
Marine Tondelier, secretary general of the Greens, condemned Macron’s actions as “a disgrace” and an act of “dangerous democratic irresponsibility.”