Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin will receive representatives of parliamentary groups on Monday for a consultation on the dates of the presidential election, his entourage told AFP.
The Minister will receive them at 12:30 p.m. Place Beauvau.
On Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron and Jean Castex had asked him to consult the political forces before setting the dates for the presidential election next year.
"
There are dates set by the Constitution but there are also public holidays and vacations during this period, all these parameters must be taken into account
," said Gabriel Attal, the government spokesman.
Asked by AFP, the entourage of Mr. Darmanin has already explained that "in
accordance with article 7 of the Constitution which strictly regulates the dates of the election of the President of the Republic, two options are on the table: 10 and April 24 or April 17 and May 1
”.
However, the same source added, “
the April 17 and May 1 option has many drawbacks: two areas on vacation for the first and second rounds.
In addition, the second round would be held during a public holiday during which demonstrations are traditionally organized
”.
The date of May 8 for the second round, which would have the favor of the Head of State according to some of his relatives, is not possible because of the constitutional limits.
Asked Wednesday by AFP, the Ministry of the Interior also stressed that the consultation initiated with party representatives, would only relate to two pairs of dates: April 10-24 or April 17-May 1.
The first round must take place between 20 and 35 days before the transition of power at the end of the five-year term of the incumbent president and a second round, if necessary, fourteen days after the first.
Emmanuel Macron having taken office on May 14, 2017, the possible transfer of powers with his successor should take place on May 13, 2022 at the latest.