France’s left-wing parties, despite emerging as the strongest bloc in parliament, are facing delays in forming a joint government. The head of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, has confirmed that no agreement will be reached before July 18th, the date of the first meeting of the newly elected National Assembly. The delays follow a week of fruitless talks within the bloc, and a shift in tone from earlier statements that a government would be formed quickly. President Macron has urged the mainstream parties to form a coalition, putting pressure on the left-wing bloc to abandon the hard-left LFI party. Even if a government is formed, it is unclear if Macron will appoint a prime minister from the left-wing bloc due to their lack of a majority in parliament.
