PARIS: French leftist parties on Tuesday pitched potential candidates to head a coalition government, with parliament adrift following an inconclusive election in which no one political force claimed a clear majority.
The New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, comprising Greens, Socialists, Communists, and the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), emerged with the largest share of seats following Sunday’s runoff vote but fell short of a majority in the National Assembly.
With a combined total of 193 seats out of 577, the NFP is now engaged in intense discussions on who should lead the next government. The coalition, buoyed by their electoral gains, insists that they have the mandate to govern, despite lacking the 289 seats required for an outright majority.
Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party and a key figure within the NFP coalition, has expressed willingness to be considered for the role of prime minister. “I am willing to accept the job on the basis of dialogue with our coalition partners,” Faure stated, positioning himself as a consensus candidate capable of bridging ideological differences within the alliance.
The proposal by Faure has garnered support within his own party, with Pierre Jouvet, the Socialist party’s secretary-general, advocating for Faure as a consensus figure. This move is seen as an attempt to appease the hard-left LFI party, led by the divisive figure Jean-Luc Melenchon, who remains a formidable force within the coalition.
However, alternative candidates from within LFI, such as deputy Clemence Guette, 33, have also been suggested. Mathilde Panot, a prominent LFI figure, confirmed that a decision on the prime ministerial candidate is expected “by the end of the week”.
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron’s camp, which secured 164 seats, is exploring alliances with center-left Socialists and conservative Republicans to potentially form a centrist-dominated coalition. Macron’s camp acknowledges the necessity of collaboration given the inability of any single bloc to govern independently.
Macron has retained Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s government temporarily, awaiting opportunities for strategic alliances that could bolster his influence in parliament. However, Macron’s plans may face challenges, as coalition members must align on critical issues such as European Union support, Ukraine relations, and economic policies.
The French electorate’s rejection of far-right National Rally (RN), which secured 143 seats, underscores a broader push against anti-immigration sentiments and Euroscepticism in the country. Despite RN’s setback, internal issues persist, with reports of financial investigations into its 2022 campaign finances complicating matters further.
Looking ahead, as France prepares for future electoral cycles, including the looming 2027 presidential elections, the current political deadlock sets the stage for significant realignments and strategic maneuvers among competing factions. Macron, while maintaining a cautious stance domestically, is set to attend a NATO summit in Washington, aiming to reassure international allies amidst France’s internal political turbulence.
