Macron's Quest for a New Prime Minister Amid Parliamentary Challenges

French President Emmanuel Macron has initiated discussions with political leaders to appoint a new prime minister. This comes nearly seven weeks after inconclusive parliamentary elections resulted in a hung parliament. The new prime minister will face challenges including parliamentary approval of the 2025 budget and reducing France's deficit.

French President Emmanuel Macron began meeting with political leaders from across the spectrum on Friday, aiming to appoint a new prime minister nearly seven weeks after inconclusive parliamentary elections. The next prime minister will face significant hurdles, including securing parliamentary approval for the 2025 budget amidst pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce France's deficit.

The question of who will become prime minister remains open, and whether the appointee can garner support from a hung parliament is still uncertain. Macron's gamble in calling a snap parliamentary election fell short, resulting in his centrist coalition losing seats in the June 30 and July 7 ballots, leading to a hung parliament.

Outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's administration managed France through the recent Paris Olympics in a caretaker capacity. However, the transition period has ended, and Macron will announce a new prime minister following ongoing discussions, according to his office. The exact timing of this announcement remains unspecified.

(With inputs from agencies.)