Macron Calls for Unity in Parliament After Election Stalemate
President Emmanuel Macron has called on the French parliament to form a broad coalition to resolve the deadlock following a snap election that left no clear winner. In a message to voters published in regional newspapers, Macron emphasized the need for collaboration among parties that support republican institutions, the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, a European orientation, and the defense of France’s independence.
“Nobody won,” Macron stated, urging political forces to engage in sincere dialogue to build a stable and pluralist majority. His appeal appeared to exclude far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s RN party and leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI) from this coalition.
The snap election, intended to clarify the political landscape, instead resulted in a hung parliament. Macron’s centrist allies are now seeking an alliance with the right to counter the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), which secured the most seats in the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s government remains in power as France prepares for the upcoming Olympics. However, Attal’s centrist group lost ground, prompting a search for a new leader.
The leftists, who now hold about 190 seats, believe they should propose a new prime minister. Melenchon criticized Macron for not acknowledging the left’s success and insisted that Macron must accept the results.
Macron’s Renaissance party appears divided, with some members seeking a broad coalition and others favoring an alliance with conservatives. Until now, Macron had stayed out of the public eye following the election, attending a NATO summit in Washington.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin suggested support for a “right-wing prime minister.” Any candidate for the role will need to pass a confidence vote when parliament reconvenes.
The NFP alliance plans to propose a candidate for prime minister soon, with divisive LFI leader Melenchon suggesting 33-year-old Clemence Guette, and moderate Socialist leader Olivier Faure also expressing interest.
Despite underperforming, the anti-immigration RN gained seats, growing from 89 in 2022 to over 140. Le Pen dismissed the parliamentary maneuvers as an “unworthy circus,” while RN leader Jordan Bardella accused Macron of causing paralysis by involving the far left.
Progressive leftist Raphael Glucksmann emphasized the importance of parliamentary democracy and the need for dialogue and conviction to move forward.
