Navigating political maze: Macron seeks consensus on France’s next PM

French leader Emmanuel Macron embarked on crucial talks with left-wing leaders on August 23, initiating a two-day series of discussions to determine who will lead France's next government.

The recent snap elections in early July left French politics in a state of deadlock, with no party securing a clear majority in the National Assembly, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

During the Paris Olympics, a caretaker government oversaw the country, leading to frustration from the left-wing alliance that emerged as the top vote-getter. The four-party New Popular Front (NFP) has put forward Lucie Castets, a lesser-known senior civil servant and economist, as their preferred choice for prime minister. Despite her qualifications, Castets remains an unelected figure and is considered an unlikely pick for the role.

In France's political system, the president appoints a prime minister who commands a majority in the National Assembly. Traditionally, the prime minister aligns with the president's party, reflecting the results of elections held close to each other. However, Macron's unexpected call for a snap two-round parliamentary vote in June saw his centrist Ensemble alliance finish behind the leftist NFP.

Ahead of Friday's discussions, the Élysée Palace emphasized Macron's commitment to respecting the will of the French people and the need for a stable majority that can endure without collapsing at the first censure motion.

Lucie Castets, alongside leaders from France Unbowed, the Socialists, Greens, and Communists, arrived to remind Macron of the election results and the need for a new political direction. Castets expressed cautious optimism that Macron understood the voters' message but stressed that the New Popular Front should lead in forming a government.

Socialist leader Olivier Faure indicated that while Macron did not specify a timeline for naming a prime minister, he pledged that it would be done swiftly. Macron is also scheduled to meet with representatives from his own Ensemble alliance and the right-wing Republicans.

On August 26, Macron will engage with the far-right National Rally's Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, as well as Eric Ciotti, leader of a Republican faction that broke away before the election. Despite no party having enough seats to achieve the 289 required for a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly, Macron must wait until next summer to dissolve parliament.

Political analysts suggest that Macron will likely select a prime minister who can bridge divides and foster political unity, reflecting the voters' desire for change. Names such as former Socialist interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve and regional leader Xavier Bertrand have been discussed, though Macron has yet to signal his preferred choice.