Macron to delay new PM appointment until stable majority in French National Assembly

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will not appoint a new prime minister until a stable majority is secured in the National Assembly, and in the meantime, the current government will continue its duties.

The country remains without a new government following the second round of early general elections on July 7, where no party or alliance achieved an absolute majority in the assembly.

The winning left-wing alliance, New People’s Front, continues to negotiate over a joint prime minister candidate, while voices from the ruling side call for a government that includes both center-right and left-wing members.

As speculation mounts over when the new government would be formed, Macron’s letter to the French public regarding the election results was published in the local media.

In the letter, Macron expressed satisfaction with the high voter turnout, stating, “First and foremost, there is a need for democratic expression in the country. On the other hand, while the far-right led the first round with about 11 million votes, you clearly opposed them coming to power.”

Macron emphasized that no clear winner emerged from the elections, noting, “No political force alone can reach a sufficient majority, and all the blocks and coalitions formed from these elections remain in the minority.”

He highlighted that only Republican-aligned political groups represent an absolute majority, calling on these groups to form a stable and pluralistic majority in the assembly.

Macron stressed that this majority should be shaped around France’s important principles, embrace republican values, and address the concerns expressed by citizens during the elections.

He continued, “In line with these principles, I will decide on the appointment of the prime minister. Political groups need some time to reach this consensus with calm and respect. Until then, the current government will continue its duties and handle general affairs in accordance with republican tradition.”

In the 2022 general elections, Macron’s side lost its absolute majority in the assembly.

To pass certain laws and reforms, Macron’s camp had to engage in tacit cooperation with various parties.

Additionally, the government frequently invoked constitutional powers to pass laws without a parliamentary vote, as seen with the controversial pension reform.

Meanwhile, a union in France has called for demonstrations near prefectures and the National Assembly, demanding a government formed by the winning left-wing alliance, New People’s Front.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the CGT Cheminots Union urged President Macron to respect the election results.

The statement asserted that Macron cannot continue with his violent social and economic policies, calling for demonstrations on July 18 in front of prefectures and near the National Assembly to demand the formation of a government from the left-wing alliance.