Europe’s two leading powers are currently mired in domestic political drama at a moment in which the EU is facing enormous geopolitical challenges.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call snap legislative elections following a disastrous result for his party in European Parliament elections in June nearly resulted in far-right-led majority, potentially even a government led by the far-right party National Rally, or RN. Although voters ultimately chose leftist and centrist forces over the far right, blocking the RN from government, Macron still took a major hit in the vote, with his centrist alliance losing its leading position in the governing coalition. Now, with no party garnering an absolute legislative majority, and the president and largest party by seats coming from different blocs, France finds itself in uncharted political waters.
On Monday, Macron would not appoint the chosen candidate for prime minister from the leftist alliance New Popular Front, or NFP, which won most seats in parliament. And while he is continuing to meet with party heads, it is possible that Macron will maneuver to appoint someone from his own ranks rather than the NFP, which would undoubtedly anger the left.