Republicans frustrate Macron's bid to establish coalition

PARIS, June 21 (KUNA) -- The French opposition party, the Republicans Party, on Tuesday foiled a bid by President Emmanuel Macron to establish a coalition with his party and secure absolute majority in the National Assembly.
The Republicans' leader, Christian Jacob, said in statement after an encounter with the president at the Elysee that he would not take an option that would be tantamount to a "treason for the voters," affirming that his party would solidly remain in the opposition ranks.
Macron whose party has emerged from the parliamentary elections with a simple majority is seeking alliances to secure absolute majority in the parliament.
It was widely understood that esbablishing an alliance with the Republicans was his most favored option. (end) ma.rk