French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to delay naming a new government until after the Paris Olympics has sparked controversy and accusations of undermining democracy.
After the New Popular Front (NFP) proposed Lucie Castets, a little-known civil servant, as a candidate for prime minister, Macron stated that appointing a new government before mid-August would cause “disorder.” This decision comes after Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal following their party’s losses in recent parliamentary elections.
The NFP, a left-wing coalition with the largest group in parliament, has accused Macron of trying to “cancel the result of the legislative elections” by delaying the appointment of a new prime minister. The group put forward Castets, an economist and civil servant with no political background, citing her work to defend public services.
Despite the NFP’s proposal, Macron emphasized the need to focus on the Olympics until mid-August and stressed the importance of appointing a prime minister who can command a majority in the National Assembly. He stated that no parliamentary group has emerged with a majority, and he aims to appoint a prime minister with the “broadest backing possible.”
The delay in naming a new government has led to backlash from NFP members, with Marine Tondelier of The Ecologists stating that Macron must acknowledge their victory and implement the social and environmental justice measures promised to voters. Manuel Bompard of France Unbowed accused Macron of denying democracy by delaying the appointment of a new prime minister.
As the Paris Olympics kick off, the political landscape in France remains uncertain, with tensions rising between Macron and the left-wing coalition over the formation of a new government.
