French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked controversy by refusing to agree to a government led by the left-wing New Popular Front alliance (NFP), despite their victory in last month’s legislative election. Macron cited the need for institutional stability and expressed doubt that the left could win a confidence vote in parliament.
The NFP, led by the relatively unknown civil servant Lucie Castets, reacted strongly to Macron’s decision, calling for street protests and even his impeachment. Macron, whose centrist Ensemble alliance came in second in the election, announced plans to start new consultations with party leaders and urged the left to cooperate with other political forces.
With no single group able to secure a majority in the elections, France has been under a caretaker government, much to the frustration of the NFP. Macron has been in talks to form a new government since the election, emphasizing the importance of keeping the country from being “blocked or weakened.”
The response from the left has been heated, with the hard-left France Unbowed movement (LFI) accusing Macron of staging an “anti-democratic coup.” Communist and Green leaders also criticized Macron’s stance, warning of a potential crisis in the country.
Despite the NFP’s insistence on discussing Lucie Castets as a candidate for prime minister, Macron is unlikely to choose her for the position. Both Ensemble and the far-right National Rally (RN) have vowed to vote down candidates from the NFP, with RN leaders labeling the alliance as a “danger” for France.
As Macron continues his consultations, other names being discussed for the prime minister position include former Socialist interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve and regional leader Xavier Bertrand from the centre-right Republicans. The political landscape in France remains uncertain as parties clash over the formation of a new government.
