Centrist government to remain in power until after Paris Olympics, says Macron

France's president says delay is to avoid disorder, after leftist coalition announces Lucie Castet as its pick to become PM

Emmanuel Macron has said he will maintain the country's centrist caretaker government until the end of the Olympic Games in mid-August to avoid disorder, dismissing an effort by a leftwing alliance to name a prime minister.

His announcement in a TV interview came shortly after the leftist coalition that won the most votes in this month's parliamentary elections selected the little-known civil servant Lucie Castets as its choice for prime minister.