The dates of the two rounds of the presidential election are already controversial.
In this context, the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, will receive representatives of parliamentary groups on Monday for a consultation on the subject, according to his entourage.
The minister will receive them at 12:30 pm Place Beauvau, specifies this source.
On Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron and Jean Castex had asked him to consult the political forces before setting the final dates for the presidential election next year, according to government spokesman Gabriel Attal.
"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 the latter.
The entourage of Gérald Darmanin has already explained that "in accordance with article 7 of the Constitution which strictly regulates the election dates of the President of the Republic, two options are on the table: April 10 and 24 or April 17 and 1 may ".
A second round on May 8 impossible
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.
Questioned on Wednesday, the Interior Ministry also pointed out that the consultation initiated with party representatives would only cover 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.