French far-left party threatens Macron with impeachment

The far-left party La France Insoumise (LFI) in France has warned that they will pursue all constitutional means to impeach President Emmanuel Macron if he fails to appoint their coalition’s candidate as prime minister. This comes after the left-wing alliance, which secured the most seats in the early general elections, accused Macron of ignoring the political outcome of European Parliament elections on June 9.

In a statement published in La Tribune, LFI leaders Jean-Luc Melenchon, Manuel Bompard, and Mathilde Panot accused Macron of committing a “coup against democracy” by disregarding the candidate chosen by the New Popular Front (NFP), the leftist coalition that won the most seats. The LFI cited Article 68 of the French Constitution regarding the impeachment of the president.

However, the Socialist Party (PS), the second-largest party in the NFP, did not support LFI’s move. PS Secretary Olivier Faure stated that while Macron’s decision not to appoint the coalition’s candidate violates republican traditions, impeachment is not the appropriate response. Faure suggested that a motion of no confidence would be more suitable.

Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister after holding meetings with political leaders and parliamentary group heads on August 23. The NFP, which won 178 seats in the election, is pushing for their candidate, Lucie Castets, to be appointed as prime minister.

In early general elections, no party or coalition won the necessary 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly to form a government. The NFP secured 178 seats, Macron’s coalition 163, and the far-right National Rally 143.