Prez Macron sparks political crisis in France by refusing to appoint leftwing Prime Minister

The French President said appointing an NFP-led government would trigger an immediate no-confidence vote, likely causing it to collapse.

By: Express Web Desk

August 27, 2024 02:50 AM IST

3 min read

Macron tried to resolve the situation by talking with party leaders to find a solution that would allow him to appoint a Prime Minister with support from different parties. (AP photo)

France is facing a growing political crisis after President Emmanuel Macron decided not to name a Prime Minister from the leftwing coalition that won the most seats in last month’s snap election.

The election left the French parliament, known as the Assemblée Nationale, divided into three main groups—left, center, and far right—with no single group holding a majority.

This division has caused a political deadlock, making it hard to form a stable government.

Macron tried to resolve the situation by talking with party leaders to find a solution that would allow him to appoint a Prime Minister with support from different parties.

However, his decision not to choose Lucie Castets, the candidate from the New Popular Front (NFP), has led to strong criticism.

Also Read: | French President Macron denies political motive in Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest

The NFP is a coalition of France Unbowed (LFI), the Socialist Party (PS), the Greens (EELV), and the Communist Party (PCF), which together hold the most seats in the 577-seat parliament.

In a statement on Monday evening, Macron said the discussions were “fair, sincere, and useful,” but they did not lead to a workable solution.

Story continues below this ad

He explained that appointing an NFP-led government would result in an immediate vote of no confidence, likely causing the government to collapse.

Macron said this would stop the government from working properly and that maintaining stability in the country is essential.

After Macron’s announcement, the NFP expressed its frustration and said it would not join any more talks unless they are about forming a government.

Also Read: | France’s Macron holds talks with key political players in a bid to form a new government

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of LFI, accused Macron of creating a serious problem and called for protests to demand respect for the election results.

Story continues below this ad

He also announced plans to file a motion of impeachment against Macron, claiming the president is ignoring the results of the election.

Marine Tondelier, secretary general of the Greens, criticized Macron’s actions as “a disgrace” and “dangerous democratic irresponsibility.” Macron has announced that more consultations with party leaders will begin on Tuesday as he tries to find a way forward and avoid further political gridlock.

(With inputs from The Guardian)

From the homepage