The extreme right took a different approach. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella accused Macron of ignoring the millions of people who voted for his party by excluding them from meetings.
Stay in control
With some of the most radical forces removed from the negotiating table, Macron’s hope lies in persuading the remaining parties to refrain from voting on no-confidence motions like the one that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier last week.
The most discussed prime ministerial candidates, including former Justice Minister François Bayroux and current Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, are from Macron’s coalition government, which includes unpopular pension reforms in which Macron retains some control and which a majority of lawmakers support. Demonstrates willingness to protect one’s policies. I want to turn it over.
But the Greens, Socialists and Communists are demanding that the new government be led by the pan-left New Popular Front coalition, which won the most seats in July elections and which also includes France’s Unbowed.
With a majority of French people wanting Macron to resign, it remains unclear whether he still has the political clout to broker a deal.
The National Assembly remains as divided as it was last summer when Macron misjudged and called snap elections, suspending parliament. He chose Barnier in September, hoping the former EU Brexit negotiator could rely on his reputation as an effective dealmaker to navigate the tricky political situation.
It didn’t work. With Barnier gone and France lacking a government and adequate budget for next year, Paris is trying to reassure financial markets by pushing for a stopgap measure to avoid a lockdown.
Anthony Lattier contributed to this report.
