Macron holds crucial political talks as France seeks new government

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron is holding meetings with leading representatives from across the political spectrum on Friday, as parties seek to form a government to overcome weeks of deadlock following parliamentary elections in early July, German Press Agency, dpa, reported. Early on Friday, Macron met with the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) alliance, which has claimed a mandate to govern after topping the second round of voting for France's lower house, the National Assembly, on 7th July. Later on Friday, Macron is due to meet representatives of his own party, before holding talks with the right-wing Republicans and smaller factions. The president is also scheduled to meet National Rally representatives on Monday, as well as the leaders of the two parliamentary chambers. A new prime minister is expected to be appointed following the consultations, although no timeline has yet been announced. Source: Emirates News Agency