By Charlotte Van Campenhout

PARIS (Reuters) – France's new prime minister should come from the left, and any coalition government must commit to pension changes and assisting with the cost of living, the Socialists stated ahead of new talks with the president and other parties on Tuesday.

In a letter to President Emmanuel Macron, posted on X ahead of the talks at the Elysee Palace, Socialist party chairman Olivier Faure reiterated his threat to immediately quit discussions if Macron appoints another right-wing premier.

The centre-left Socialists are seen as potential kingmakers in Macron's attempt to form a government with enough parliamentary support to avoid the downfall of the last cabinet led by veteran conservative Michel Barnier.

Faure indicated that any guarantees not to vote the next government out of power, known as a "non-censure" agreement, would rely on "a genuine shift in political direction".

He highlighted pensions and the cost of living as his priorities, asserting that "we stay true to the mandate our voters have given us," despite increasing signs that the all-left electoral alliance, known as the New Popular Front, may disband if its more moderate factions join the government.

Manuel Bompard, a leader from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, urged members not to succumb to the temptation of a government of national unity and grand coalition, while speaking on France 2 television.

Macron will meet with political parties open to compromise on forming a government at 1400 CET (1300 GMT) on Tuesday, according to the Elysee. A source close to Macron revealed that neither the far-right National Rally party nor LFI would be invited.