The leader of La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France), Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has threatened to sever ties with their socialist partners in the “New Popular Front” coalition. This move comes in response to the socialists’ openness to cooperate with President Macron in forming a new government.
Mélenchon warned that if the socialists proceed with aligning with Macron’s party, the coalition would move forward without them. He reiterated that his party would only support a government led by the left-wing forces that received the most votes in the recent parliamentary elections.
Mélenchon also criticized socialist leader Olivier Faure for presenting him with what he called a “fait accompli” and accused Faure of seeking personal ambition for the role of prime minister, despite the socialists securing less than 2% of the vote in the 2022 elections.
“This propaganda, which constantly repeats the need for the left to negotiate with the right, is dangerous. It leads to governments willing to sell their souls to stay in power… We refuse to betray our voters for positions. We will implement our program without compromises. Democracy is not about consensus,” Mélenchon said.
Previously, the far-left had declined to participate in discussions with the president regarding the appointment of a new prime minister.
Macron is currently in the process of selecting a new prime minister following a vote of no confidence against Michel Barnier’s government—an unprecedented move since 1962. Macron has stated that he does not intend to resign.
