France's new Prime Minister, François Bayrou, who replaces Michel Barnier, began consultations with representatives of the main political parties at the National Assembly as part of efforts to form a new government,
Euronews reports.
Bayrou's first meeting is with far-right National Rally (RN) leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, who criticised his appointment but said RN MPs would not block the government without reviewing its proposals.
He will then meet Gabriel Attal of the Renaissance party, followed by Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and others. Later, Laurent Wauquiez of the conservative Droite Républicaine will meet Bayrou, who said his party’s support depends on the government's plans.
The far-left party, La France Insoumise, has refused the invitation. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, its veteran leader, dismissed the talks as "just another comedy."
Discussions will continue on Tuesday with leaders of other groups, including the Greens, members of Bayrou’s MoDem party, Horizons, Independents (LIOT), Communists, and the UDR group led by Éric Ciotti, former Republican Party president.
