Fifty-six days after the second round of France’s legislative elections, the country remains in suspense over the appointment of a new prime minister. The elections, which followed the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron after the far-right’s victory in June’s European elections, resulted in a fragmented political landscape with no clear majority in the lower house. This has complicated the search for a prime minister who could unite the nation.
President Macron had called the early elections to “hold the French accountable” in the face of the far-right surge. However, the results yielded a diverse political map that has made it difficult to select a prime minister from any one faction. Despite a packed schedule—including preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, commemorations, and international visits—Macron has held consultations with parliamentary leaders and the Presidents of both chambers. However, these discussions have so far been inconclusive.
In a statement after these consultations, President Macron ruled out forming a government from the left-wing bloc, the New Popular Front, which emerged during the electoral campaign. He argued that such a government would be immediately overthrown by the other groups in the National Assembly.
Facing this challenge, Macron has initiated a second round of consultations, this time including political figures from various backgrounds and individuals “distinguished by their experience in serving the State and the Republic.” French media report that former presidents and senior state officials have been consulted to help shape the new executive.
Among the prominent figures involved, former President Nicholas Sarkozy has publicly advocated for the swift appointment of a right-wing prime minister. In an interview with “Le Figaro,” Sarkozy stated that “in light of the last two elections—the European and the early legislative elections—France is right-wing, probably more so than it has ever been.” He urged his party, The Republicans, to propose a candidate from their ranks rather than allowing a left-wing figure to be appointed.
On the left, tensions have risen in response to these developments. Leaders of the left-wing coalition, comprising socialists, environmentalists, communists, and La France Insoumise, have continued to push for a government drawn from their ranks. They have criticized President Macron for excluding them from consideration for the prime ministership from the outset.
In a show of defiance, La France Insoumise announced on Saturday that it would submit a resolution to the National Assembly calling for President Macron’s removal, following the rejection of Lucie Castets, a senior official at Paris City Hall, as a candidate for prime minister. However, experts believe this move has little chance of success.
Meanwhile, centrist parties and those aligned with the presidential majority are urging caution, awaiting Macron’s decision. According to media reports, the president’s choice is imminent. Macron, during a visit to Serbia, assured the public that he is working tirelessly on the matter.
“I will speak to the French people at the appropriate time and in the right context,” Macron told journalists in Belgrade, where he was on an official visit. “Believe me, I am doing all I can, day and night, and have been doing so for weeks, even if you haven’t necessarily seen it, to reach the best solution for the country.”
Speculation is rife about who might be named as the new prime minister. Possible candidates include former Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, Republican Xavier Bertrand, French-Moroccan mayor of Saint-Ouen Karim Bouamrane, and former minister Ségolène Royal. According to reports, the appointment could be made as soon as today, September 1st, just before the start of the new school year.
