After seven weeks of legislative elections aimed at “clarifying” the political situation in France, President Emmanuel Macron is finally ready to appoint a prime minister as required by the Constitution. Following a period of Olympic truce and seaside holidays, Macron returned to Paris with hopes of bringing about “harmony” and “calm” within the political class. The coming days will reveal whether these aspirations have been achieved since Macron dissolved the National Assembly a month prior. The President is set to meet with all political forces represented in Parliament on August 23 and 26 to discuss the appointment of a new Prime Minister. The appointment is expected to come shortly after these meetings, according to the Elysée Palace.
The various political parties have been invited to the Elysée in order of the number of deputies in their respective groups. Left-wing parties led by Lucie Castets, candidate for the Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP) as Prime Minister, will be the first to meet with Macron, followed by leaders of the presidential coalition and representatives from other parties throughout the day. The meeting schedule is a way to acknowledge the NFP as the leading political force in the National Assembly, despite claims from Macron’s camp that there were no winners or losers in the legislative elections. The President is expected to discuss with the presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate on Monday after a week of consultations with political leaders.
Leaders of the Republican Party, represented by Annie Genevard, Laurent Wauquiez, and Bruno Retailleau, will meet with Macron in the afternoon, as well as representatives from other groups such as the LIOT group and the Parti radical de gauche. Marine Le Pen, Jordan Bardella, and Eric Ciotti have postponed their meetings until the following week. Macron, who failed to consult with the presidents of the assemblies before dissolving them, will finally meet with Yaël Braun-Pivet and Gérard Larcher on Monday. The President’s efforts to restore unity within his political camp are evident in these meetings, as he seeks to form a new government and address the challenges facing the country.
The political landscape in France remains uncertain as Macron navigates the post-election period and seeks to establish a functional government. The President’s consultations with various political parties and leaders are crucial in determining the next steps in forming a new cabinet. Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly has paved the way for these discussions, which are aimed at bringing about stability and collaboration in the government. As Macron works to appoint a new Prime Minister, the coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of the country’s leadership and the policies that will be pursued in the months ahead.
The upcoming appointments of a Prime Minister and the formation of a new government will signal a new chapter in Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. The choices made in the coming days will have far-reaching implications for the future of France and its political landscape. Macron’s efforts to bring about unity and cooperation among diverse political forces reflect his commitment to effective governance and his vision for the country’s future. The President’s engagements with various party leaders demonstrate his willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation in order to address the challenges facing the nation. As Macron works to navigate the complexities of French politics, the outcomes of these discussions will shape the course of his presidency and the policies pursued by his administration.
