• Macron rules out leftist PM despite winning the most seats at the election
• The NFP called for street protests and Macron’s impeachment
• Macron set to begin fresh talks, he continues to urge the left to collaborate

Macron rules out leftist PM as ongoing government crisis continues

French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to accept a government led by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, which won the most seats in last month’s legislative election. Macron argued that France needs institutional stability and believes the NFP cannot secure a confidence vote in parliament. 

In response, the NFP, which nominated Lucie Castets for prime minister, called for street protests and Macron’s impeachment. Despite his centrist party placing second in the election, Macron is set to begin fresh discussions with party leaders and urged the left to collaborate with other political groups.

The election resulted in no clear majority: the NFP won over 190 seats, Macron’s Ensemble alliance took 160 seats, and the far-right National Rally (RN) secured 140 seats. A caretaker government has been in place since the election, which included overseeing the Paris Olympics, much to the frustration of the NFP. Macron plans to continue talks on forming a new government.