A leading French trade unionist has urged President Emmanuel Macron to allow a left-wing alliance to govern after it emerged as the front-runner in a recent legislative

election, suggesting that failure to do so could lead to protests during the upcoming Paris Olympics. This call came after Macron stated that "no one had won" the election and appealed to "republican forces" to form a "solid majority" to govern, which was interpreted as a desire for a coalition excluding the far-left France Unbowed party.

Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT union, criticized Macron for being in denial about the election results and insisted that he should appoint as prime minister whoever the New Popular Front (NFP) selects. The NFP, which outperformed Macron's centrist camp, has been working on a strategy to govern without a majority.

Macron's comments have sparked outrage among left-wing groups, including the railway workers' branch of the CGT, which has called for protests on July 18 when the newly elected parliament is set to convene. They plan to protest at prefectures across the country and at the National Assembly in Paris, demanding that the NFP be allowed to form a government.

Binet hinted at the possibility of continued protests during the Olympics if Macron does not comply, although no strikes have been planned for the event yet.

The union leader emphasized the importance of respecting the citizens' vote and warned against sidelining the left-wing coalition. She also noted that if Macron continues to exacerbate tensions, there could be further disruptions.

Options for the new government include forming a broad coalition, a minority government, or a technocratic government that would pass laws with ad hoc agreements. Marylise Leon, head of the CFDT union, also supported the NFP's program as the foundation for the next government.

Despite ongoing negotiations, the NFP has yet to agree on a consensus candidate for prime minister. Leaders from France Unbowed and the Socialist Party have both put themselves forward, insisting on the need for a genuine left-wing government rather than a compromised coalition.

Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, echoed the unionists' sentiments, criticizing Macron for attempting to hold onto power despite losing the election. He questioned the legitimacy of a government that lost the election remaining in place for upcoming national events, including Bastille Day and the Olympics. Photo by Remi Jouan, Wikimedia commons.