French President Emmanuel Macron is intensifying efforts to appoint a new Prime Minister, over seven weeks after the country’s parliamentary election resulted in a hung parliament. Macron is meeting with party leaders today to find a candidate who can secure parliamentary support and address pressing economic concerns.
The June/July elections saw significant losses for Macron’s centrist coalition, complicating his ability to pass legislation. With pressure mounting from the European Commission and bond markets to address France’s budget deficit, the selection of a capable Prime Minister is crucial.
Despite winning the most seats, Macron has declined to appoint the left-wing New Popular Front’s (NPP) nominee, Lucie Castets. Instead, he advocates for inter-party cooperation to establish a stable majority administration.
Potential candidates include Xavier Bertrand, conservative regional president, and Bernard Cazeneuve, former Socialist Prime Minister. Under the French Constitution, Macron has the power to appoint the Prime Minister, but the chosen individual must withstand any potential votes of no confidence from the opposition.
