Macron Rejects Leftist Prime Minister Candidate

French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected the proposal to appoint a prime minister from the leftist New Popular Front (NFP) following a hung parliament outcome from recent elections. The NFP emerged as the largest bloc but lacks an absolute majority, leading Macron to initiate new consultations with various political leaders in search of a consensus candidate. He emphasized that appointing a left-wing government would threaten institutional stability and would likely face immediate no-confidence votes from other parties. The NFP's candidate, Lucie Castets, has been sidelined, with Macron instead calling for cooperation among socialists, ecologists, and communists while excluding the far-left France Unbowed. Far-right leaders, including Marine Le Pen, have vowed to oppose any NFP candidate, proposing a referendum to address the political impasse. As Macron navigates this political turmoil, he seeks a prime minister who can gain parliamentary support without alienating other factions.