After the victory in the legislative elections – although they did not achieve an absolute majority – the French left criticized this Thursday the statements of Emmanuel Macronwho chose to reject the possibility of forming a government until a “solid majority” is built in Parliament, demanding that a prime minister be appointed from among their ranks.
On Wednesday, Macron published a letter to the people through the French regional press, where he assured that “nobody won” last Sunday and called on all political forces “that identify with the republican institutions (…) to building a solid majoritynecessarily plural, for the country.”
In this way, he explained that he will take a “decision on the appointment of the prime minister” when the political forces have “forged (…) compromises”, which means giving them “a little time”. The politician had just dissolved the National Assembly and called early elections, following the victory of the French far right in the European elections on June 9.
While the left made an alliance that turned the balance that seemed to be leaning in favor of the extreme right, led by Marine Le Pen, They were unable to obtain an absolute majoritythat is, 289 deputies.
The party of the aforementioned alliance, the New Popular Front (NFP)includes environmentalists, socialists, communists and the radical left. They took first place, but the 190-195 seats they won were not enough. Secondly, Macron’s other alliance – in this case the centre-right – came in with around 160, and finally the far right, with more than 140.
Macron enjoys some support from the right, but faces harsh criticism from the left
Faced with uncertainty, the president asked his prime minister Gabriel Attal continue in office “for the moment” to “guarantee the stability” of the country, which will host the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11.
Several figures on the right and centre support Macron’s position, including the president of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, who believes that the formation of a government could be postponed until “early September”.
The president’s call seems aimed at exclude the National Grouping (RN) of Le Pen, but also implicitly to the main formation of the NFP, France Insoumise (LFI, radical left) led by the controversial Jean-Luc Mélenchon, which generated reluctance among other forces.
Socialist leader Olivier Faure accused the president of not “respecting the vote of the French people” while Mélenchon denounced “machinations” and “the return of the royal veto.”
The New Popular Front will announce a candidate in France
The NFP announced that it would propose a candidate for prime minister before the end of the week. Mélenchon promotes the deputy Clemence Guettenot very well known but popular among radical left-wing activists. At 33 years old offers a less divisive and calmer image.
The powerful CGT union called on the French to take to the streets on July 18, the day of the first session of the National Assembly, “so that the election results are respected.”
Sophie Bineta union leader, said: “We have the impression of seeing Louis XVI locked up in Versailles,” referring to the monarch guillotined in 1793 during the Revolution. Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate, called Macron’s letter “a false one.” “shameful circus”.
The secretary general of his party in the National Assembly, Renaud Labayedeclared on Thursday that RN “will not censure” a possible left-wing government if it proposes “consensual measures.” However, “in the case of a government that includes a minister from LFI,” the chances of RN approving his general policy speech “are practically non-existent”he added.
The National Group now has its sights set on in the upcoming French presidential elections in 2027in which Macron will not be able to run again.
Source: Ambito
