Media: Macron shows his contempt for democracy

France remains without a government as President Emmanuel Macron attempts to fragment the left coalition and form a coalition that excludes the radical left.

This comes after Macron's party suffered a significant defeat in the parliamentary elections, losing over ninety seats and leaving them in a minority position, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Despite the left alliance, New Popular Front (NPF), emerging as the largest bloc in the National Assembly with over 185 seats compared to Macron's 160, the president has yet to appoint a left-leaning prime minister. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise (France in Revolt), has criticized Macron as an "autocrat" exacerbating chaos. 

Macron has been leveraging the positive momentum from the recent Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, using this period to seek a coalition that excludes both La France Insoumise and the far-right National Rally. His aim is to install a prime minister from a left party who opposes the radical elements of the NPF and avoids including La France Insoumise.

The traditional right-wing Republicans support Macron's efforts, threatening to propose a vote of no confidence if the new government includes ministers from La France Insoumise, but showing willingness for a less radical alliance.

Macron has escalated his conflict with La France Insoumise by targeting Rima Hassan, a Euro MP from the party, over a pro-Palestinian tweet. Macron has mobilized 51 MPs to call for Hassan’s parliamentary immunity to be lifted, accusing her of supporting terrorism. This move appears designed to weaken the NPF and distract from broader political issues.

In a display of hypocrisy, Macron recently condemned division during a speech marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in southern France, despite his own policies of extending working years, cutting unemployment benefits, abolishing the wealth tax, and repressing dissent.

The ongoing political crisis has prompted Macron’s outgoing government to continue austerity measures, including significant budget cuts. This has led to criticism even from center-right figures who argue that it is undemocratic for a resigned government to implement such policies.

Macron's recent meeting with political party leaders promised the selection of a prime minister soon, but he is under pressure to avoid appointing Lucie Castets, a candidate supported by the radical NPF. The left alliance remains divided but has not yet aligned with Macron’s forces.

Upcoming political summer schools across France are seeing large turnouts as left-wing activists debate strategies amid the crisis. Despite Macron’s attempts to divide the left and pressure the center-left to abandon radical policies, the left remains largely united and may force Macron to accept a minority government led by the NPF. 

If Macron continues to undermine democratic processes or imposes a coalition against the will of the majority, mass mobilization and strikes may become necessary to challenge his administration and potentially demand new elections or his resignation.