Emmanuel Macron’s Government Crisis: Leftists Furious as President Rejects Their Prime Minister Pick
Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to navigate a political deadlock as he attempts to form a new government, following a parliamentary election that left his centrist alliance without a majority. Efforts to initiate a second round of negotiations hit a roadblock after Macron ruled out appointing a prime minister from the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, which secured the most seats in July’s snap legislative elections.
The NFP, led by the hard-left France Unbowed party, has demanded that Macron appoint their candidate, 37-year-old economist Lucie Castets, as prime minister. However, Macron rejected the proposal, citing concerns that a left-wing government would destabilize France’s institutions. This decision has sparked outrage among the left, with Socialist, Communist, and Green Party leaders pledging to mobilize protests on September 7.
‘Parody of Democracy’
Olivier Faure, head of the Socialist Party, condemned Macron’s approach, refusing to support any government that doesn’t emerge from the NFP. Faure accused Macron of attempting to “prolong Macronism” despite losing the parliamentary majority, warning that the French public would soon grow “annoyed, to say the least.” Communist leader Fabien Roussel has also rejected further talks with Macron, calling for mass demonstrations.
Divisions Deepen as Macron Seeks Support Elsewhere
Macron, who has yet to name a successor to the caretaker government, urged more moderate members of the NFP to collaborate with other political forces. But this strategy has so far been unsuccessful, with left-wing leaders united in their opposition.
While Macron held talks with independent deputies and plans to meet centre-right representatives, including from Les Républicains, the far-right National Rally (RN) was excluded from the discussions. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, holds the third-largest bloc in the National Assembly with around 140 seats.
Clock Ticking as Macron Faces Pressure
Macron’s failure to secure a new government is intensifying pressure as the deadline for presenting the 2025 budget law on October 1 approaches. With political negotiations stalling, Macron’s leadership is being called into question by allies and opponents alike. Veteran centrist François Bayrou criticized Macron for getting bogged down in party politics, suggesting that the president should focus on finding an experienced leader to navigate the crisis.
As the impasse continues, Macron’s schedule remains packed, with plans to open the Paris Paralympic Games and an official visit to Serbia later this week. Whether he can break the deadlock and form a stable government remains uncertain.
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