Macron withdraws from the government - cabinet remains in office
To make time pass quickly, it is up to the Republican forces to work together to reach an agreement, according to the Elysée Palace. It is expected that Attal will remain in office until the end of the Olympic Summer Games in Paris, which begin on July 26.
The elections to the Parliament resulted in no clear majority relations. Instead, three political blocs emerged, each falling short of an absolute majority and with programs hardly compatible: a Left Alliance with 193 deputies, the presidential camp of the President with 164 deputies, and the Right-wing populists from the Rassemblement National (RN) with 143.
Macron unexpectedly called for new elections in the wake of the RN's victory in the European elections on June 9. Within the government camp, the President and Attal, according to observers, still harbor hopes of forming a moderate government coalition or a broad parliamentary pact without the involvement of left or right-wing populists. During the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Macron reportedly told attendees that it was now their responsibility to propose a "majority coalition" or a "broad parliamentary pact."
The government camp must uphold the "preservation of economic achievements" and "measures for social justice," the cabinet meeting was "without tensions, but also not overly enthusiastic," a participant later said.
Within the left-green coalition New People's Front (NFP) formed just before the elections, Socialists, Greens, and Communists are pushing for the 73-year-old diplomat Laurence Tubiana as a common candidate for the position of Prime Minister. However, this proposal met resistance from the left-populist coalition partner La France Insoumise (LFI). LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard called the suggestion "unrealistic," as Tubiana has too close ties to the government camp.
A government led by a 73-year-old diplomat involved in the climate negotiations for the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 would be "letting the Macronists in through the back door," Bompard said. LFI conducted its election campaign in sharp contrast to Macron's policies.
The French President is, in principle, free to name a candidate for the position of Prime Minister, but this person must have the support of a parliamentary majority to govern.
In recent days, significant differences between Macron and his former political protege Attal have become public. Among other things, Attal is reportedly blamed Macron for the current political stalemate.
On Thursday in Paris, the constituent session of the newly elected National Assembly is scheduled. Among other things, the election of the influential chairman of the Parliament is on the agenda.
- Historically, Germany and France have had significant political relations, but the recent political situation in France is dominated by internal issues.
- At the Élysée-Palace, Gabriel Attal is expected to continue in his office until the end of the Olympic Summer Games in Paris.
- Despite the unexpected call for new elections by President Macron, Attal and Macron still hope to form a moderate government coalition or a broad parliamentary pact.
- The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, emerged as a significant force in the Parliament election, but fell short of an absolute majority.
- In response to the proposal of a common candidate for Prime Minister from the New People's Front, LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard called it unrealistic due to Tubiana's close ties to the government camp.
- According to some observers, there have been significant differences between President Macron and his former political protege Attal, with Attal blaming Macron for the current political stalemate.
- The newly elected National Assembly will convene in Paris on Thursday, with the election of the influential chairman of the Parliament being one of the agenda items.
- The Olympic Games in Paris, starting on July 26, are not just an opportunity for sports enthusiasts, but also a crucial moment for the political landscape of France, given Attal's expected continuance in office until then.
