In a speech to the nation, the French president said the country’s party leaders must learn to compromise – and that he would seek to create a working majority in the coming weeks. It was the first time Macron had spoken in public since suffering a major political blow in France’s Sunday national elections, which left the country with a suspended parliament. He said: “I can not ignore the rifts, the deep divisions that run through our country and are reflected in the composition of the new (National Assembly). “We must clarify in the coming days how much responsibility and cooperation the different formations are willing to accept in the National Assembly.” Image: Mr Macron gave a televised address to the nation on Wednesday Mr Macron ruled out the idea of a “national union” that would include all political forces in the government as “unjustified to date”. Some of his ministers were adamant about not cooperating with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. The French president said he would spend the next two days at an EU summit and it was up to political party leaders to say “how far they are willing to go”. However, far-left leader Jean-Luc Melanson immediately rejected Mr Macron’s speech, calling it a “ratatouille”. He called on French Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne to put the government’s roadmap to a parliamentary vote. “There can be no reality other than this: the executive is weak, the National Assembly is strong,” Mr Melanson said. Read more: Newly appointed French minister accused of rape by two women Macron – who was re-elected president in April – had full control of parliament during his first term from 2017 until Sunday’s results. His televised speech came after two days of consecutive meetings with leaders of rival parties. But these opponents seem determined to remain opposed to Macron and unwilling to cooperate or compromise with him. Earlier Wednesday, Ms Lepen appeared at the National Assembly with the newly elected members of parliament from the National Rally party, which garnered a historic score of 89 seats. Image: Marin Lepen’s National Rally party won 89 seats. Photo: AP Mr. Macron together! The alliance won the most seats with 245 – but they are 44 less than the majority in the most powerful parliament in France. The main opposition force is the left-wing Nupes coalition, formed by hardline left-wing supporter Jean-Luc Melenchon, with 131 seats. The result will make it difficult for Mr Macron to deliver on campaign promises, such as measures to boost purchasing power, tax cuts and raising the minimum retirement age from 62 to 65. His government still has the power to govern, but only through negotiations with lawmakers.
