The president had hoped consultations would break the political deadlock caused by the election that left the Assemblée Nationale divided into three roughly equal blocks – left, centre and far right – none of which has a majority of seats.
So, in parliamentary systems – which, for these purposes, France is similar to – typically this is dealt with via multiple factions making concessions to each other and forming a coalition. Is that an option?
France’s aversion to coalitions means any new government risks early collapse
In France, however, political leaders from left and right have lined up to rule out a coalition government after Sunday’s snap election produced a parliament of three roughly equal blocs – none with a majority, and all with wildly differing platforms.