Author: Nathalie Segaunes
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal leaves the Renaissance group meeting at the National Assembly, Paris, July 9, 2024. JULIEN MUGUET FOR LE MONDE The upcoming Bastille Day parade in France is set to take place on Avenue Foch instead of the traditional Champs-Elysées due to the Olympic Games. Despite the defeat in legislative elections, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s government is still holding onto power. President Emmanuel Macron has chosen to maintain the government’s full capabilities and responsibilities, allowing them to continue governing even without a majority in the National Assembly. The administrative machinery is running smoothly post-election, with the government able…
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal sitting next to centrist MoDem party leader François Bayrou, at Emmanuel Macron’s press conference following his decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale, in Paris, June 12, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI /MYOP FOR LE MONDE France is facing the possibility of a “rainbow” government as election tensions rise. With the far-right threatening to seize power, the need for a coalition government led by centrist Emmanuel Macron has become a topic of discussion. The far-right Rassemblement National party’s demand for an absolute majority complicates the situation, prompting discussions among various political factions on how to prevent a potential crisis.…
The president Emmanuel Macron prepares to vote in the first round of the legislative elections, in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, on June 30, 2024. YARA NARDI / AFP Emmanuel Macron hosted a meeting with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal the day after disappointing results in the parliamentary elections. Despite far-right advances, Macron remained composed while ministers were visibly emotional. Calls for a united front against the far right were met with differing opinions within Macron’s coalition. Read more French elections: How many candidates have withdrawn from the second round? Internal divisions emerged regarding support for specific candidates in the second round. Some ministers…
Emmanuel Macron speaks to the press following his decision on June 9, 2024, to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale after the results of the European elections. Paris, June 12, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI / MYOP FOR LE MONDE Will Emmanuel Macron be standing alongside a prime minister from the ranks of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) as he presides over his eighth Bastille Day ceremony on July 14? As the RN party gains momentum, Macron faces the possibility of cohabitation with a prime minister opposing him. Macron believes that sharing power with the far-right will prevent them from gaining full control in…
During President Emmanuel Macron’s press conference in Paris on June 12, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI /MYOP FOR LE MONDE President Emmanuel Macron held a press conference in Paris to defend his decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale. He cited the need to address public “anger” and the upcoming budget vote as factors in his decision. Macron announced that he will not personally campaign in the upcoming elections, delegating the task to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. He criticized opposition figures for their “personal ambitions” in light of the dissolution. The ‘battle of values’ Macron launched a “battle of values” against both far-right…
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, is making waves in the media ahead of the June 9 European elections, as his coalition trails behind the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party in the polls. Macron has been actively participating in ceremonies and events, warning against the rise of the far right in Europe, especially during the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Macron’s strategy includes highlighting the conflict in Ukraine as a key issue in the election campaign. He has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to ceremonies and signed agreements worth €650 million in loans and grants for Ukraine. Macron…
Nouméa, New Caledonia, May 28, 2024. THEO ROUBY / AFP The European Parliament elections in New Caledonia face uncertainty as logistical challenges disrupt daily life on the French territory in the Pacific Ocean. Scheduled for June 9, concerns arise over citizens’ ability to access polling stations due to supply and transportation difficulties. Despite plans for the elections to proceed, former MP Philippe Gomès acknowledges the need for a “downgraded” approach, limiting polling stations’ availability. Legal experts voice concerns over a lack of contingency if voting cannot be organized, highlighting potential challenges in validating results. Read more New Caledonia: Six questions…
Emmanuel Macron at a security and defense council meeting at the Elysée, May 20, 2024. BENOIT TESSIER / AP Emmanuel Macron’s forceful approach to achieving political change in New Caledonia has drawn criticism from experts and stakeholders. Despite calls to allow more time for negotiations, Macron has imposed strict deadlines, prompting concerns about the fragility of the situation in the region. The decision-making process, characterized by ultimatums and swift actions, has raised questions about the effectiveness of such tactics in a complex political landscape like New Caledonia. Macron’s refusal to delay critical votes has fueled tensions and highlighted broader issues…