Politics Rien ne va plus - Is France facing political gridlock?
Nothing is happening in France, at least in politics. Before the start of the Olympic Games and the political summer break, the important neighboring country is without a powerful government for the time being. President Emmanuel Macron's bold move to finally ensure a clear balance of power in parliament with early elections has not brought him the hoped-for gains, at least for the time being.
16.07.2024, 08:49
SDA
On the evening of the parliamentary elections just over a week ago, everything still looked very simple. Macron's centrist camp had suffered a defeat, Marine Le Pen's right-wing nationalists, who were initially considered the favorites, had been relegated to third place and the victorious new left-wing alliance had demanded to be tasked by the president with forming a new government, even without an absolute majority.
Efforts to form a coalition unsuccessful
When the current government meets in the Élysée Palace this Tuesday under Macron's presidency, there are many signs that French politics is at a standstill. Neither the left-wing alliance nor Macron's camp have managed to forge a viable governing coalition with other partners in the past week.
Instead, the last few days in Parisian politics have been characterized by tactics, haggling and tug-of-war. Majorities have been tested and, at the same time, ways of blocking opponents have been explored.
Macron, who usually holds the reins firmly in his hands, announced that he would hold off on appointing a new prime minister. He called on the parties to form a grand coalition.
Left-wing alliance faces possible break-up
And then on Monday, what Macron had perhaps already been counting on happened - the rivalries within the left threaten to lead to a break in the new alliance. In the trial of strength with the Socialists over the appointment of a candidate, the Left Party suspended discussions on the formation of a government.
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".
There is speculation that the Socialists may want to make common cause with Macron without the rest of the left-wing alliance. The desire is there in the government camp.
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 the week who would become prime minister if they came to power. The Socialists named their party leader Olivier Faure. The Left Party also has its eye on Mélenchon, among other candidates. The old-left strategist is a thorn in the side of many, even within his own party, due to his autocratic and polemical style. Mélenchon, however, continues to speculate on power.
In the short term, the dispute in the left-wing alliance could play into 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 with a view to 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.
Government resignation this Tuesday?
It is expected this Tuesday that Macron will now accept the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, which was initially rejected with reference to the "stability of the country". Attal and his government team would then only be in office on a caretaker basis, but could not be toppled by a vote of no confidence.
Macron could then easily take until the fall to appoint a future government, as there is no deadline for this. The resulting political deadlock could be prolonged if the president ultimately decides to appoint a technical government made up of experts, senior administrators and economists due to a lack of a stable majority. In any case, a dissolution of parliament and new elections are not possible for another year.
