Gabriel Attal, the outgoing prime minister, has sent a two-page letter outlining a program called “pacte d’action pour les Français” to parliamentary group leaders in the National Assembly. The program focuses on six priorities including restoring public accounts, strengthening economic sovereignty, defending secularism, improving purchasing power, housing and employment, environmental protection, security, and public services. Attal extends a hand for discussion with other parties, excluding La France Insoumise (LFI), Rassemblement National (RN), and the ciottistes d’A Droite!. He emphasizes the need for discussions with parties ranging from left to right republicans, as part of the “arc républicain” concept.
Other political groups have also expressed interest in engaging in discussions. Stéphane Séjourné of the Renaissance party, Horizons, and the left-wing coalition of the Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP) have reached out to parliamentary leaders. Laurent Marcangeli called for a meeting to stabilize the country’s political life, excluding RN and LFI. Lucie Castets, a potential contender for the prime minister position, outlined her legislative priorities in a letter to French parliamentarians. The seven leaders of leftist parliamentary groups aim to build parliamentary majorities beyond the NFP ranks.
The letters from Attal, Marcangeli, and Castets indicate a shift towards forming alliances and building consensus across party lines in the French political landscape. The focus on key issues such as the economy, healthcare, education, and the environment suggests a desire for cooperation and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the country. By excluding certain parties from discussions, such as LFI and RN, the emphasis is on engaging with parties that align with the values of the “arc républicain” rather than those on the fringes of the political spectrum.
The engagement of multiple political groups in discussions about legislative priorities and potential alliances reflects a broader trend towards political cooperation in France. The willingness of parties to set aside differences and work towards common goals signals a recognition of the need for unity and stability in the country’s political landscape. As the search for a new prime minister continues and discussions unfold, the outcomes of these efforts will shape the direction of French politics in the coming months and years. The emphasis on inclusivity and consensus-building in these discussions highlights a potential shift towards a more collaborative and cooperative approach to governance in France.
