Macron refuses to appoint a prime minister from the New Popular Front and begins a new round of consultations

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, refused this Monday to appoint a prime minister from the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, despite being the force that obtained the most representatives in the last legislative elections, after “confirming” that it would not survive the motions of censure from other groups.

“The President of the Republic affirmed that a government based solely on the program and the parties proposed by the coalition with the majority of representatives, the New Popular Front, would be immediately denounced by all the other groups represented in the National Assembly,” the Elysée said in a statement concluding a round of consultations between Macron and political factions.

The presidency alleged that France’s “institutional stability” advises not to adopt this option, and announced that it would begin “from tomorrow” a new cycle of negotiations with “party leaders and personalities distinguished by their experience in the service of the State”.

The message points out that the NFP, whose delegates were the first to be received last Friday along with proposed candidate for head of government Lucie Castets, “has not proposed ways of collaborating with other political forces.”

“It is their responsibility to do so,” Alisie said, stressing that the coalition made up of the Socialist Party (PS), the Communists, environmentalists and the more radical La Francia Insumissa (LFI) should be formed.

The sources specify that other parties, such as the bloc that makes up Macronism, have “outlined possible ways of alliance and common work between different political sensitivities.” The presidency has claimed that these parties “are ready to support a government led by a personality that does not come out of their ranks.”

In this complex context, Macron has called on “all political leaders to rise to the occasion by demonstrating a sense of responsibility.” “My responsibility is to ensure that the country is not blocked or weakened. The ruling political parties must not forget the exceptional circumstances of electing their representatives in the second round of legislative elections. This vote obliges you,” the French president said in the message.

Even before the presidential announcement, the NFP warned in a statement that they would only meet again with Macron to discuss the details of a cohabitation government led by Castets.

But the 193 seats the NFP has with its allies are a far cry from the absolute majority of 289 that would allow the Coalition to govern alone, without the threat of a censure motion overthrowing the relevant executive.