France's leftist coalition fumes over Macron's rejection of its candidate to become prime minister
The leaders of France's main left-wing coalition have accused President Emmanuel Macron of denying democracy
NICE, France — France's main left-wing coalition on Tuesday accused President Emmanuel Macron of denying democracy after he rejected the New Popular Front's candidate for prime minister following last month's inconclusive election.
As president, Macron has the sole power to name the prime minister according to the French Constitution.
French politicians have been deadlocked over a future government since an early legislative vote in July produced no clear winner. The latest tensions include calls for major protests against Macron next week as Paris prepares to host the Paralympic Games with the opening ceremony set for Wednesday evening.
The New Popular Front coalition won the most seats in the National Assembly. Macron’s centrist alliance came in second, and the far-right National Rally came in third, leaving France’s powerful lower house of parliament with no party holding a majority.
Still, the left-wing coalition, which includes the hard-left France Unbowed, the Socialists and the Greens, has insisted that the new prime minister should be from their ranks because it's the largest group.
On Monday, Macron rejected their nominee for prime minister — little-known civil servant Lucie Castets — saying that his decision to refuse a government led by the New Popular Front is aimed at ensuring “institutional stability.”
The deeply fractured parliament wouldn't endorse a left-wing government, Macron said, and announced another round of consultations with political leaders. He called on left-wing leaders to seek cooperation with parties outside their coalition, including with the president's centrist alliance.
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