France's main left-wing coalition has accused President Emmanuel Macron of denying democracy after he rejected the New Popular Front's candidate for prime minister following last month's inconclusive election. Macron, as per the French Constitution, has the sole power to name the prime minister.
Since the early legislative vote in July produced no clear winner, French politicians have been deadlocked over forming a future government. The New Popular Front coalition emerged with the most seats in the National Assembly, followed by Macron’s centrist alliance and the far-right National Rally, leaving no party with a majority in the lower house of parliament.
The left-wing coalition, comprising France Unbowed, the Socialists, and the Greens, has insisted that the new prime minister should be from their ranks due to being the largest group. However, Macron rejected their nominee, Lucie Castets, citing the need for “institutional stability” as the deeply fractured parliament wouldn't endorse a left-wing government.
Leftist leaders criticized Macron for endangering French democracy and denying election results. The Socialists and the Greens refused to engage in further talks with the president, while France Unbowed called for mass protests against Macron, accusing him of creating an “exceptionally grave situation.”
Macron announced consultations with political leaders and urged left-wing parties to seek cooperation with other groups, including his centrist alliance. The absence of a dominant political bloc in France’s recent history has led to unprecedented political uncertainty.
Macron's office stated that he would name a prime minister based on consultations aimed at forming the broadest and most stable majority possible. While politicians from various ideologies have expressed willingness to form a coalition, there are concerns about potential opposition from France Unbowed members.
Potential candidates for prime minister include center-left politician Bernard Cazeneuve, former prime minister and interior minister, Xavier Bertrand, a moderate within the French right, and conservative politician Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator for post-Brexit talks.
Macron intends to keep the outgoing centrist government in a caretaker role to manage current affairs, particularly during upcoming events like the Paralympic Games and the Paris Olympics.
