Macron rules out naming left-wing PM, extends talks to end deadlock

NEWS WIRES

26 August 2024 at 5:56 am·1-min read

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he would not name a government led by the left-wing New Popular Front coalition despite the alliance winning the largest number of seats in the July legislative elections. Macron, whose centrist bloc came second in the snap elections, held rare talks with the leaders of the far-right National Rally party Monday, who said they would immediately call a no-confidence vote against any leftist prime minister to prevent them from forming government.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday ruled out naming a left-wing government to end the country's political deadlock, saying it would be a threat to "institutional stability".

While Macron said he would start new talks Tuesday to find a prime minister, left-wing parties reacted with fury to his announcement, calling for street protests and the impeachment of the president.

Macron has held protracted talks on a new government since elections in July gave a left-wing alliance the most seats in parliament but not enough to govern.

While some reports said Macron had wanted to name a prime minister on Tuesday, the president instead said he would embark on a new round of negotiations.

(AFP)

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