Macron urges forming broad coalition in France after “no one won” legislative elections

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called on the “political forces that identify with republican institutions” that they build a “solid majority” in Parliament, after the legislative elections, won by the left although without an absolute majority.

“Anyone’s won“, he declared Macronreferring to the elections held on Sunday and which he had not yet spoken about, in a letter to the people published in the French regional press.

The centrist leader dissolved the National Assembly and called early legislative elections after the French far-right won the European elections on June 9.

“I call on all political forces that identify with republican institutions, the rule of law, parliamentarism, the European orientation and the defence of French independence, to engage in sincere and loyal dialogue to build a solid, necessarily plural, majority for the country.“, wrote Macron.

No party or coalition obtained an absolute majority of 289 deputies in the new National Assembly.

The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance came out on top with between 190 and 195 seats, Macron’s centre-right alliance around 160 and the far-right alliance more than 140.

The president’s call seems aimed at excluding the National Rally (RN) of the far-right Marine Le Pen, but also implicitly the main formation of the NFP, the France Insoumise (LFI, radical left) led by the controversial Jean-Luc Mélenchonwhich generates reluctance in other forces.

“Macron proposes a cordon sanitaire to LFI, which he himself helped to get elected three days ago (…). This circus is becoming shameful“, Le Pen reacted on X.

Forging commitments

The head of state stated that he will take a “decision on the appointment of the prime minister“When the political forces have”forged (…) commitments”, which means leaving them “a little while”.

For the moment, Prime Minister Macron, Gabriel Attalwill remain in his post as Paris finalises preparations for the Olympic Games, which begin in just over two weeks.

In the face of the NFP numbers, the government seems divided between supporters of an alliance with the Republicans (LR, conservatives) and those who advocate a broad coalition that includes “the social democrats”.

Aurora Bergére-elected on Sunday and Minister Delegate for Gender Equality in the outgoing government, declared that her group wants to ally itself with LR and other deputies close to the centre.

The Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmaninwho was also re-elected, told CNews that he might support a “right-wing prime minister.”

LR parliamentary leader, Laurent Wauquiezassured that his party would prepare a “legislative pact“which will be proposed to other groups.

The left-wing alliance, meanwhile, is seeking to propose a new prime minister, but a large part of the president’s party refuses to support a government that includes figures from the radical left.

“The president refuses to recognise the result of the polls, which put the New Popular Front in the lead in terms of votes and seats“, wrote Mélenchon on social media, reacting to Macron’s letter.

The NFP, which includes Greens, Socialists, Communists and LFI, announced it would propose a candidate before the end of the week.

Mélenchon promotes the deputy Clemence Guettenot very well known but popular among radical left-wing activists, at 33 years old she offers a less divisive and calmer image.

The socialist leader, Olivier Fauremore moderate, also stated that he would be “willing to take on” the position.