French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said he would keep his caretaker centrist government in office for the duration of the Olympics, as the left-wing New Popular Front alliance announced it has agreed on a candidate for prime minister.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the Games go well,” Macron told broadcaster France 2. “It is clear that we are not in a situation to change things until mid-August because we would create disorder.”
The Paris Olympics are due to open on Friday, with preliminary action in certain disciplines beginning on Wednesday.
Macron’s comments followed the New Popular Front’s announcement that it is proposing civil servant Lucie Castets form a government, potentially putting an end to weeks of in-fighting since the new alliance won a surprise victory in the second round parliamentary elections.
The left-wing camp – consisting of the Socialists, the Greens, the Communists and firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon‘s hard-left France Unbowed – defeated Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the July 7 election, with Macron’s centrist alliance finishing second.
It initially struggled to capitalize on its success, however, with Mélenchon’s party temporarily suspending negotiations after weeks of wrangling.
Macron – who is responsible for appointing the prime minister under France’s political system – said Castets would need to attract support in France’s lower house, the National Assembly, where no party or alliance has a majority after the elections.
“The question is, what majority can develop in the National Assembly so that a French government can push through reforms, pass a budget and move the country forward?” Macron asked.
After Macron’s comments, centrist caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who initially tendered his resignation after the election, seems likely to continue in office until after the Olympics.
The political troubles Macron has faced in recent months – including a resounding defeat in June’s European Parliament elections – do not seem to have sapped the president’s fighting spirit, however.
In response to a question about whether he should step down if the turmoil continues, Macron said he would fulfil his term “in its entirety.”
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
