The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, refused to appoint a leftist candidate as prime minister, citing “institutional stability”, and called for a new round of consultations to resolve the political deadlock. Despite the fact that the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition emerged as the strongest party in the last legislative elections, Macron contends that a government led by the left would likely not survive votes of no confidence from other factions.
“Rise to the occasion”
“The President of the Republic emphasized that a government based solely on the program and parties proposed by the alliance with the most deputies, the NFP, would face immediate censure from all other groups represented in the National Assembly,” stated the Elysée, following Macron’s consultations with political blocs.
In a sensitive situation, Macron urged “all political leaders to rise to the occasion by showcasing a spirit of responsibility.” Macron stirred political waters in France by advancing the legislative elections originally scheduled for 2027 to June 30 and July 7, seeking “clarification” from voters after the far-right’s victory in the European elections.
However, this scenario plunged France into a political impasse. The NFP, consisting of socialists, communists, ecologists, and the leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI), won the election with 193 deputies and proposed 37-year-old economist Lucie Castets for prime minister.
Macron’s centrist alliance secured 166 seats, followed by the far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies (142) and the traditional right-wing party The Republicans (LR, 47). Almost two months post-election, Macron began a new round of consultations with the parties on Friday, concluding that “the institutional stability” of France “implies not retaining this option” of Castets, according to Monday’s statement.
“Exceptional circumstances”
The president announced a new round of consultations on Tuesday with party leaders and “experienced figures in the service” of France. Unlike in neighboring countries where the authority of heads of state is mainly ceremonial, Macron shares executive power with the government, which can be from a different political affiliation. It is the president’s prerogative to appoint the head of government, though in practice, any candidate must receive endorsement from the National Assembly.
“My responsibility is to ensure that the country is not blocked or weakened,” Macron stated in the announcement, urging “the governing parties” not to overlook “the exceptional circumstances” of the second round. The French presidency indicated that other factions beyond the NFP see potential for collaboration with “varied political sensitivities” and might even support a cabinet led by someone outside their group.
Although polls had indicated that Marine Le Pen’s far-right movement and her allies were likely to win, the NFP and Macron’s center-right alliance withdrew their less competitive candidates in favor of those who could defeat the far-right. LFI participated in this “republican front” against Le Pen, but later, both Macron’s alliance and the right rejected the notion of allowing that force into a government.
Anger from the left
Mélenchon opened the possibility over the weekend for the LFI to refrain from entering the government to facilitate Castets’ appointment, but the refusal still stood, and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal accused him of staging an “attempted coup” with his “simulation of openness.” Macron announced a new consultation process on Tuesday; however, shortly before, the NFP declared it would not meet him again unless he appointed Castets.
In his statement on Monday, Macron highlighted the agreement between his alliance and LR, which, nonetheless, refuses to partner with the government, and called on socialists, ecologists, and communists to “cooperate with other political forces,” a move that would fracture the NFP. The head of state cannot call for new legislative elections before July 2025. While awaiting a new government, Attal has acted as prime minister for 41 days, a record since World War II.
The head of the LFI group in the Assembly, Mathilde Panot, confirmed on social media that they would oppose any other prime minister who is not left-leaning. “We will not allow the popular will to be disrespected,” Panot asserted, adding that if Macron persists in his refusal, they would initiate “impeachment proceedings against him, in accordance with Article 68 of the Constitution.”
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The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, announced on Monday his decision to refuse the appointment of a leftist candidate as prime minister, citing a need for “institutional stability.” This decision follows the recent legislative elections, where the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition emerged as the dominant force, securing the highest number of seats in the National Assembly.
“Rise to the Occasion”
In light of the political gridlock, Macron emphasized the necessity of stable governance. “The President of the Republic noted that a government based solely on the program and parties proposed by the NFP would be immediately censured by all the other groups represented in the National Assembly,” stated the Elysée Palace after Macron’s consultations with various political factions.
Addressing the challenging political climate, Macron called on all political leaders to “rise to the occasion” and act with responsibility. He previously stirred controversy by advancing the legislative elections initially scheduled for 2027 to June 30 and July 7, seeking voter clarity after the far-right’s success in recent European elections.
Despite the NFP, comprised of socialists, communists, ecologists, and La France Insoumise (LFI), winning 193 seats, Macron expressed skepticism regarding the viability of a left-led government. His centrist alliance garnered 166 seats, with the far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies securing 142, followed by the traditional right-wing The Republicans (LR) with 47 seats.
“Exceptional Circumstances”
The president has announced a forthcoming round of discussions with party leaders and seasoned political figures. Unlike his counterparts in other nations where presidential power is largely ceremonial, Macron wields significant executive authority, sharing power with the government, which may belong to different political factions. Thus, it is the president’s prerogative to appoint the head of government, though such decisions are heavily influenced by the National Assembly’s makeup.
“My responsibility is to ensure that the country is not blocked or weakened,” Macron asserted while highlighting the “exceptional circumstances” surrounding the political atmosphere. The presidency indicated that other parties beyond the NFP might be open to collaboration across varying political sensitivities, potentially supporting a cabinet led by a non-affiliated individual.
Although pre-election polls suggested a victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right movement, both the NFP and Macron’s centrist alliance withdrew their least promising candidates in hopes of countering the far-right threat, forming a “republican front.” However, while LFI partook in this maneuver, the centrist and right-wing factions later dismissed the idea of integrating the left into the government.
Anger from the Left
Following the president’s announcement, tensions have escalated among left-wing factions. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of LFI, indicated a willingness to avoid government participation to facilitate Castets’ appointment, yet Macron’s refusal prompted further discontent. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal accused Mélenchon of conducting an “attempted coup” through mere showmanship.
The NFP has made it clear that it would not engage further in discussions unless Castets, their proposed candidate, is appointed. Macron underscored common interests with LR, despite their hesitance to join the government, and urged socialists, ecologists, and communists to collaborate with other political groups—a suggestion that risks dismantling the NFP.
Notably, the French president cannot call for new legislative elections until July 2025. In the interim, Prime Minister Attal has been effectively leading the government for 41 days, marking a record since World War II’s conclusion.
In a strong rebuke, Mathilde Panot, the head of the LFI group, affirmed on social media that they would oppose any prime ministerial candidate not from the left. “We will not allow the popular will to be disrespected,” she stated, warning that if Macron persists, they may initiate “impeachment proceedings against him, in accordance with Article 68 of the Constitution.”
Political Landscape Overview
| Political Group | Seats Won |
|---|---|
| New Popular Front (NFP) | 193 |
| Macron’s Centrist Alliance | 166 |
| National Rally (RN) | 142 |
| The Republicans (LR) | 47 |
Responses to Macron’s Decision
Macron’s rejection of the NFP’s prime ministerial candidate has sparked widespread criticism. Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the Ecologists, labeled the statement a “disgrace” and condemned the president’s assertions of stability as “irresponsible,” particularly given the recent dissolution of the National Assembly in June. Fabien Roussel, leader of the French Communist Party, has called for significant public mobilization to challenge Macron’s choices.
The political landscape in France remains tense as parties scramble to navigate this deadlock. Macron’s approach to consultation may yield unexpected alliances or exacerbate existing divisions. As political actors respond to his decisions, the potential for significant shifts in the governing structure looms large. The next few weeks will be critical as Macron seeks to consolidate his government and establish a pathway toward stability.