• Macron says he won’t name government until after Olympics
• NFP nominated Lucie Castets, an economist and civil servant, for prime minister
• Macron believes an immediate appointment would “create disorder
• The move has sparked criticism from left-wing politicians

Macron says he won’t name government until after Olympics

French President Emmanuel Macron announced he won’t appoint a new government until after the Paris Olympics, which conclude on August 11. This decision follows the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition, nominating Lucie Castets, an economist and civil servant, for prime minister. Macron believes an immediate appointment would “create disorder.”

The move has sparked criticism from left-wing politicians, accusing Macron of disregarding the recent legislative election results. Macron accepted Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s resignation after their centrist party’s heavy losses but asked him and his ministers to serve as a caretaker government.

Traditionally, the French president appoints a prime minister who can command a National Assembly majority. Although no party currently has a majority, the NFP, with 182 of 577 seats, is in the strongest position. Castets, the NFP’s nominee, is notable for her lack of party politics experience, usually expected for the prime minister role.