Paris: France’s Socialist Party has called for the appointment of a left-leaning prime minister and outlined key priorities for any coalition government, including pension reforms and measures to address the cost-of-living crisis. These demands come as President Emmanuel Macron prepares for another round of talks with political leaders at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday.
In a letter shared on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of the discussions, Socialist Party chairman Olivier Faure made it clear that he would withdraw from negotiations if Macron were to appoint another right-wing prime minister. This follows the recent collapse of the government led by veteran conservative Michel Barnier, leaving Macron seeking support to secure a stable majority in parliament.
Faure emphasized that any agreement to avoid a vote of no confidence, referred to as a "non-censure" arrangement, would require a meaningful shift in the government's political stance. He reiterated the Socialists' commitment to their voter mandate, highlighting pension reforms and cost-of-living initiatives as non-negotiable priorities.
The Socialist Party is seen as a potential linchpin in Macron’s efforts to build a coalition with sufficient parliamentary support. However, this has put pressure on the fragile left-wing alliance known as the New Popular Front. Signs of division have emerged, particularly as more moderate factions within the alliance consider joining the government.
Manuel Bompard, a leading figure in the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, warned against compromising with Macron. "I urge them not to succumb to the allure of a national unity government or a grand coalition," Bompard said in an interview with France 2 television.
The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron would meet with parties open to collaboration at 2:00 PM CET (1:00 PM GMT) on Tuesday. However, the far-right National Rally and LFI were notably excluded from the invitations, reflecting the polarized nature of France's current political landscape.
As Macron navigates these turbulent waters, the outcome of the talks could determine the trajectory of his administration and its ability to address France's pressing challenges.