French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected the nomination of Lucie Castets as Prime Minister, proposed by the left-wing coalition Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP), which emerged as the largest grouping in recent snap elections. Castets, a 37-year-old financial expert and senior civil servant, was put forward as a consensus candidate by the left-wing parties.Macron emphasized that the focus should be on forming a majority in the National Assembly rather than on individual appointments. He stated, ‘The issue is not about a name, but about which majority can be formed in the Assembly to pass reforms, a budget, and move the country forward’.The President announced that no new government will be formed until after the Paris Olympics, which conclude in mid-August. The current caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, will remain in place until then. Macron justified this decision by citing the need for stability during the Olympic Games.This decision has sparked criticism from left-wing leaders. Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Macron of trying to impose his new ‘republican front’ by force. Manuel Bompard, coordinator of La France Insoumise, described Macron as ‘a madman who clings to power’.Castets herself has called on Macron to ‘take responsibility’ and appoint her as Prime Minister, stating that a coalition between the left and the presidential camp is ‘impossible due to our deep disagreements’. She has advocated for the abolition of the pension reform and an improvement in purchasing power.As France navigates this complex political landscape, Macron has urged all parties to adapt and make compromises, emphasizing that ‘no one can apply their program’ in the current political climate. He has also ruled out the possibility of resigning, stating that he will ‘assume his mandate in its entirety’.
Key points
- Macron has rejected the left-wing coalition’s nomination of Lucie Castets as Prime Minister.
- No new government will be formed until after the Paris Olympics in mid-August.
- The decision has sparked criticism from left-wing leaders, who argue Macron is disregarding election results.
- Macron emphasizes the need for a majority in the National Assembly rather than focusing on individual appointments.
Contradictions👾While Macron has called for compromise and unity, he has rejected the left-wing coalition’s proposed Prime Minister, potentially deepening political divisions.
