FRANCE’S SEARCH FOR GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27591, 23 February 1955, Page 13

FRANCE’S SEARCH FOR GOVERNMENT

Socialists Refuse To Join Faure

(Rec. 9 p.m.) PARIS, February 21. The Socialists last night decided not to support Mr Edgar Faure in his efforts to form a government and so end France’s 16 days of political crisis. The Socialists, the largest single party in the National Assembly, said they would neither take part in the Faure Government nor support it. Mr Faure, who was Foreign Minister in the Mendes-France Government which fell on February 5, was asked by the President, Mr Rene Coty, last Saturday to try to form a government.

The Socialists have made it clear that their opposition is not to Mr Faure in person, but to any leader whose labour policy does not meet their own.

Mr Faure is expected to decide whether to continue his efforts later tonight.

Parliamentary observers generally consider that 'should Mr Faure decide to go ahead on the basis of a CentreRight coalition, including the Radicals, Popular Republicans, Conservatives, and some de Gaullists, he has a good chance of being elected. The Popular Republicans told him tonight that they were “in principle” in favour of joining his government.

Mr Faure told the President that he would give his definite reply on forming a new government tomorrow.