Macron's Strategic Move Blocks Left-Wing Coalition
In a surprising turn of events, French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a decisive stance against allowing a coalition of left-wing parties, known as the New Popular Front (NFP), to lead the country. By asserting that he will not permit any coalition comprising parties outside the 'republican forces' to govern, Macron has effectively halted the NFP's efforts to form a government. The NFP, which includes La France Insoumise, had been in intense negotiations since Sunday evening to propose a prime minister to the President, who holds the constitutional power to appoint the position.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, was quick to criticize Macron's move, describing it as a 'return of the royal veto on universal suffrage' and urging the President to yield. The left-wing parties, although exhilarated by their success in the legislative elections, found themselves at an impasse due to Macron's unexpected intervention.
Left-Wing Parties Push Back
The NFP issued a 'solemn' warning to Macron against retaining Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister, accusing him of obstructing the appointment of a Prime Minister from their ranks. They argued that if Macron persisted, it would amount to 'a betrayal of the spirit of our Constitution and a democratic coup'. Despite their significant gains in the legislative elections, the left-wing parties, with around 190 seats, are still short of the absolute majority required to unilaterally form a government.
Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party (PS), expressed his readiness to assume the role of Prime Minister in collaboration with NFP partners, highlighting the internal power struggles within the left. The Ecologists, represented by Marine Tondelier, emphasized the need for time to finalize their government proposal, indicating ongoing meetings and strategic planning.
Internal Dynamics and Future Prospects
Emmanuel Macron has maintained a low profile since Sunday, keeping Gabriel Attal in his post 'for the moment' while preparing for a NATO summit in Washington. Within Macron's camp, there is a preference for a 'majority of projects' without the inclusion of La France Insoumise or Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has advocated for a coalition ranging from the Republicans (LR) to Macron's Renaissance party.
The left-wing parties continue to negotiate internally, with both Insoumis and Socialists vying to increase their influence in the potential government. Key positions in the Assembly and the presidency are also under discussion, with figures like Sandrine Rousseau expressing interest while calling for the exclusion of the National Rally (RN) from executive functions.
Challenges and Legal Issues
The National Rally faces its own challenges, including internal disputes and a judicial investigation into alleged illegal financing of Marine Le Pen's 2022 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, Gabriel Attal is actively engaging with Renaissance deputies and majority parliamentarians to maintain stability amid the political turmoil.
