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PARIS. -French Prime Minister Mr Michel Barnier could step down if he cannot form a new government after a meeting with his deputies yesterday, the France Info radio network reported, citing a member of the right-wing Les Republicains party.

Mr Barnier is negotiating with potential ministers as he struggles to form a coalition government

Two weeks after being appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, Mr Barnier has failed to form a new administration that can meet the conflicting priorities of a divided lower house of parliament and address France’s widening budget deficit.

“This is the last chance and otherwise the prime minister will resign. He will realise that it will not be possible, that the personal interests of everyone prevent him from forming a government calmly,” the unnamed Les Republicains member told the broadcaster.

According to another source in the party, President Macron “is getting involved” in the process.

“President Macron plays with fire. If Mr Barnier resigns, he will be on the front line,” the unnamed politician said.

President Macron opted for Mr Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, to head the government after two months of political turmoil following snap elections in June and July that saw no party win an outright majority in parliament.

French election winners accuse President Macron of a ‘non-democratic coup’

France’s left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) ultimately won the most seats in the vote, but failed to secure enough to govern. President Macron earlier blocked the appointment of the NPF’s chosen prime minister, Ms Lucie Castets, arguing that she would threaten “institutional stability.”

Mr Barnier’s conservative Les Republicains has few seats in a parliament that is split between three large blocs, the leftist NFP alliance, President Macron’s centrists, and Ms Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. The premier will have to draw support across party lines to avoid being toppled through no-confidence votes. – RT.com