Macron to Meet Party Leaders to Discuss New Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to convene party leaders on August 23 in a bid to resolve the ongoing political deadlock following recent snap elections. The legislative elections resulted in an Assemblée Nationale lacking a clear majority, leaving France without a new prime minister weeks after the polls. Macron had previously indicated that he would appoint a new prime minister after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, which wrapped up on August 11, emphasizing the need for a broad coalition among the fractured parliament. The Elysée Palace announced that these consultations aim to facilitate discussions among party leaders to form a stable government. The presidency highlighted the French public's desire for change and unity, hoping that the upcoming talks will lead to the establishment of a "broad and stable majority." The appointment of a new prime minister will follow the consultations, according to the statement from the presidential office. In late July, Macron rejected a proposal from the left-wing Nouveau Front Populair, the largest faction in the new assembly, to appoint Lucie Castets, the director of finances at Paris City Hall, as the new premier. Meanwhile, the government, led by Macron's allies under caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, has continued to function during the Olympic Games. The political landscape remains uncertain as Macron navigates the complexities of a divided parliament, following his controversial decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale and call for snap elections in June.