Macron Holds Talks to Form New French Government After Deadlocked Election

Macron Holds Talks to Form New French Government After Deadlocked Election

French President Emmanuel Macron held crucial discussions today with key political leaders to address the formation of a new government. This follows last month’s legislative elections, which left no party with a majority in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.

Despite the election results, Macron delayed naming a new prime minister until after the Paris Olympic Games, choosing instead to maintain a caretaker government from his neoliberal coalition, which finished second in the polls.

The left-wing New Popular Front coalition, which secured the most seats, has nominated Lucie Castets, a civil servant, as their candidate for prime minister. Castets expressed her readiness to govern following a meeting with Macron at the Elysee Palace. She emphasized the need for compromise to ensure effective governance.

Right-wing political figures also met with Macron on Friday, while leaders of the National Rally, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, who finished third in the election, are expected to join discussions at the Elysee on Monday. National Rally remains the largest single party in the Assembly.

Macron’s office stated that the president will name a prime minister based on these consultations, seeking the “broadest and most stable majority possible.”

Lucie Castets, following her meeting with Macron, said the president acknowledged that the election results sent a clear message from the French people but appeared hesitant to allow an opposition party to lead the government.

Marine Tondelier, leader of the Green Party, criticized the delay in government formation, stressing that urgent issues remain unaddressed. “We need a response by Tuesday,” she said.

The New Popular Front, which includes the French Communist Party (PCF), France Unbowed, the Socialists, and the Greens, has insisted that the prime minister should come from their coalition, as they hold the most seats.

PCF national secretary Fabien Roussel emphasized that Macron should appoint Lucie Castets, as no other formal proposals for prime minister have been put forward. However, right-wing lawmakers have made it clear they would oppose any government that includes France Unbowed.

While Macron seeks to create a centrist coalition, names such as former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve and right-wing politician Michel Barnier have emerged as potential candidates for the role of prime minister.

Under the French constitution, the president holds the sole authority to appoint the prime minister.