The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will have to navigate through the deadlock in politics following the success of the Olympic Games. The snap legislative elections have left the country divided into three major blocs in parliament, with none of them having the majority needed for governance.
While the former government under Prime Minister Gabriel Attal continues in a caretaker role, the country is still without a new prime minister five weeks after the elections. Macron’s hopes are pinned on the Games boosting his popularity, akin to how France’s football World Cup win in 1998 elevated Jacques Chirac’s ratings.
Despite the uplifting atmosphere brought by the Games, Macron’s low approval ratings and the country’s political stalemate remain unchanged. The President is facing a potentially troublesome return to reality when the Paralympics conclude on September 8.
Political commentator Emmanuel Riviere noted that while the success of the Games has improved the national mood, the political situation remains stagnant, with many voters frustrated and angry with Macron. Macron’s approval ratings remain low, and there is little political impact expected from the Games.
– ‘Very angry’ –
Macron’s approval ratings remain under 30 percent, and his absence during the election campaign and the Games has been noted. While the country needed a moment of unity, the political repercussions are unclear, as stated by a minister from the outgoing government.
The primary focus for Macron now is on naming a new prime minister and government, a task that has proven challenging due to conflicting factions within parliament. The New Popular Front, the largest post-election faction, supports economist Lucie Castets as the new premier, but Macron’s centrist forces prefer an alliance with the traditional right.
Despite expectations of a quick decision post-Olympics, Macron’s team has downplayed the likelihood of an immediate breakthrough. Macron is still contemplating his next steps, and the prospects for a new government are uncertain. The political truce called during the Olympics is seen as a tactic to delay any potential political changes, as criticized by opposition leaders.
– ‘Still thinking’ –
As Parisians bid farewell to the Olympics and await the start of the Paralympics, Macron’s decision-making process on the new premier remains unresolved. While the Olympics may have eased tensions, forming a coalition government is still a challenge. Macron’s reflective approach during his vacation indicates that a decision may not be imminent.
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