A Nation in Limbo

Two months have passed since France held snap elections, yet the country remains in political limbo, with no new prime minister in sight. This instability comes amidst the successful hosting of the Paris Olympics and the opening of the Paralympic Games.

Experts believe the ongoing political deadlock is a major test for President Emmanuel Macron, who is struggling to form a new government. Hopes that the Olympics would boost national morale and ease tensions have faded, with the temporary "political truce" now over.

Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap elections after setbacks in the European Parliament elections backfired. Two rounds of voting failed to produce a clear winner, leaving Macron in a precarious position.

"He succeeded in blocking the far-right momentum, but ultimately failed as his coalition lost its majority," said Zhang Jinling, a French studies expert.

The Olympic success did little to smooth the political process, according to Dai Zhixin, another expert. He believes the deadlock stems from deep party divisions and conflicting interests, requiring significant compromise to resolve.

Macron's attempts to form a government have been met with resistance. His rejection of the left-wing New Popular Front's proposed prime minister has drawn criticism, further complicating the situation.

The lack of a new government poses significant challenges. Passing legislation becomes nearly impossible, and France's political stability is at risk. The government's decision-making efficiency is also hampered, potentially impacting key reforms.

The New Popular Front's proposed prime minister, Lucie Castets, was rejected by Macron, who deemed a left-wing government a threat to institutional stability. This has drawn strong criticism from the opposition.

With the October 1 deadline for presenting the 2025 budget law looming, the clock is ticking for Macron to form a government. The new government's stance on issues like immigration and economic policy could impact France's relationship with other EU countries and potentially weaken EU cohesion.

Macron's recent meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his upcoming visit to Serbia highlight the importance of foreign policy in finding a balance between national and EU interests. The new government's approach to foreign policy will significantly impact France's position on the global stage.

France's political deadlock remains a complex and evolving situation. The country's ability to overcome this challenge and form a stable government will have significant implications for its domestic and international standing.