Politics France's left-wing party halts consultations on government formation
The new left-wing alliance that won the parliamentary elections in France is facing a test of strength over the question of who could become prime minister if they were to form a government. In the trial of strength with the Socialists over the appointment of a candidate, the left-wing party has suspended consultations on the formation of a government.
15.07.2024, 17:32
SDA
As long as the Socialists insisted on their own candidate and vetoed candidates from the Left Party, consultations on forming a government would remain suspended, the Left Party La France insoumise announced. It accused the Socialists of "political blockade".
"Enough manipulation", declared left-wing party founder and leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. As long as they have not agreed on joint candidacies for top posts in parliament, the Left Party will not resume "discussions about anything else".
Mélenchon speculates on power
The left-wing alliance, which also includes the Greens and Communists, had actually already wanted to decide at the end of last week who would become prime minister if it came to power. The Socialists named their party leader Olivier Faure as their candidate. The Left Party also has Mélenchon in mind alongside other possible candidates. However, the old-left strategist is a thorn in the side of many, even within his own party, due to his autocratic and polemical style.
In the short term, the dispute within the left-wing alliance could play into President Emmanuel Macron's hands, as he is unlikely to entrust a divided left-wing camp with forming a government. However, observers also suspect that the dispute between the left-wing parties is already about dominance in a possible early presidential election. In view of the political crisis, Macron could be forced to step down before the end of his term of office in 2027.
