Macron rules out left-wing government, sparking protest calls
Macron's rejection of left-wing government ignites calls for protests, impeachment
French President Emmanuel Macron ruled out appointing a left-wing government on Monday, labelling it a threat to “institutional stability.” He announced plans to commence fresh discussions on Tuesday to identify a prime minister. Left-wing parties responded angrily, calling for protests and Macron’s impeachment.
The president has been engaged in lengthy talks to form a new government since the July elections, which resulted in a left-wing alliance winning the most seats in parliament but lacking a majority. Macron dismissed claims from left-wing parties after meeting with far-right leader Marine Le Pen and other political figures on Monday.
Despite some reports suggesting Macron intended to name a prime minister on Tuesday, he stated he would continue negotiations. Macron emphasised his duty to ensure the country remains functional and stable, urging political leaders to act responsibly.
Update: it’s now official, in a just-released communiqué Macron has rejected a government led by the New Popular Front (NPF).
It’s an unprecedented situation in the history of the 5th French Republic: the loser in the election effectively rejects yielding power to the winner.… https://t.co/MP39ccYbpf pic.twitter.com/Tj8yvkD0Rr
— Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) August 26, 2024
The July election left the 577-seat National Assembly fragmented. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) secured over 190 seats, Macron’s centrist alliance held about 160 seats, and Le Pen’s National Rally obtained 140 seats. The NFP, including the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), demanded the right to form a government. However, centrist and right-wing parties pledged to block any confidence vote.
Macron argued a purely left-wing government would be “immediately censored” by other parliamentary groups, threatening institutional stability. He called for socialists, ecologists, and communists within the leftist alliance to cooperate with other political forces. A source close to Macron confirmed he would not engage in further talks with the LFI, the National Rally, or Eric Ciotti, leader of the right-wing Republicans who had aligned with Le Pen’s party.
The LFI’s national coordinator, Manuel Bompard, condemned Macron’s comments as an “unacceptable anti-democratic coup.” LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon urged a “firm and strong response” from the public and politicians, including a “motion of impeachment” against Macron. Communist leader Fabien Roussel called for a “grand popular mobilisation,” rejecting new talks. Green leader Marine Tondelier said, “the people must get rid of Macron for the good of democracy. He is chaos and instability.”
Macron has kept Gabriel Attal as caretaker government leader for a record period since the July election while searching for a figure with enough support to withstand a confidence vote. The urgency is heightened by the impending deadline to present a draft 2025 budget for the heavily indebted government.
Leftist parties had advocated for 37-year-old economist and civil servant Lucie Castets as prime minister. Melenchon even suggested a left-wing government without ministers from his party, but Macron and centre-right parties opposed this. Macron has consistently labelled the LFI as “extreme,” equating it with Le Pen’s party. Centre-right parties have criticised the NFP’s big-spending plans amid France’s record budget deficit and debt.
Attal reiterated the opposition to the LFI in a letter to deputies, calling Melenchon’s offer an “attempted coup” and stating that an NFP government would “inevitably” lose a confidence vote.
What Other Media Are Saying
- France24 reports a democratic crisis in France as President Macron bypasses parliament on pension reform, sparking widespread protests and a perceived violation of democracy. (read more)
- Village Life reports that French President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out forming a left-wing government to resolve political deadlock in France. (read more)
- Macron rules out left-wing government amid entrenched deadlock, detailing President Macron’s decision to reject a left-wing government due to concerns over institutional stability, despite the left-wing alliance holding the most seats in parliament. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Macron rule out a left-wing government?
Macron believes it would threaten institutional stability.
What was the reaction of left-wing parties to Macron’s announcement?
They reacted with fury, calling for protests and impeachment.
Why are centrist and right-wing parties against a left-wing government?
They vow to vote it down in any confidence vote.
Who are some key leaders opposing Macron’s decision?
Jean-Luc Melenchon, Fabien Roussel, and Marine Tondelier.
What is the current challenge Macron faces?
Finding a prime minister with enough broad support before the budget deadline.
