Paris, Sept. 2: French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with Bernard Cazeneuve, a former Socialist Party member, on Monday as he edges closer to announcing a new Prime Minister, according to sources close to Macron.

Cazeneuve, a seasoned politician, has emerged as a strong candidate for the role, with backing from both right-wing and left-leaning parties.

Macron is also scheduled to meet with his two predecessors, François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, as part of his deliberations.

This comes after weeks of political deadlock following a snap parliamentary election that resulted in a hung parliament, weakening Macron's centrist coalition.

Cazeneuve, who left the Socialist Party two years ago in protest against its alliance with the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, is considered a unifying figure.

His experience includes serving briefly as prime minister under Hollande, as well as holding ministerial positions in European Affairs, Budget, and Interior.

The new prime minister will face the tough challenge of pushing through key reforms and the 2025 budget in a divided parliament, with France under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit.

Macron’s decision to call the snap election backfired, leaving his coalition without an absolute majority.

Despite the left's New Popular Front alliance winning the most seats, Macron ruled out forming a government with them, as other parties threatened to block it.

With political paralysis looming, Macron’s choice of prime minister is crucial, though the French constitution prevents him from calling another snap election until July next year.-Agencies