Paris: Emmanuel Macron has abruptly returned to Paris from Poland, where he is set to announce a new prime minister in response to the ongoing political turmoil in France. This decision comes just eight days after the French parliament ousted Michel Barnier from his position as prime minister in a no-confidence vote.
Addressing Political Concerns
Recent polls indicate that 61% of French voters are concerned about the current political situation. In light of this, Macron has held discussions with leaders from various political parties, excluding the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the far-right National Rally headed by Marine Le Pen.
Two years into his second term, Macron has committed to remaining in office until 2027 with a government that will not face the same fate as Barnier’s administration. Barnier, who served as prime minister for only three months, was dismissed when Le Pen’s National Rally joined left-wing MPs in rejecting his proposed €60 billion tax cuts and spending increases aimed at reducing France’s budget deficit, projected to reach 6.1% of GDP this year.
Potential Successors
As Macron prepares to announce Barnier’s successor, a spokeswoman for the outgoing government hinted that the president might either invite centre-left parties to join the government or establish a non-aggression pact to ensure their support. Leading candidates to replace Barnier include François Bayrou, the centrist MoDem leader; Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu; and former centre-left Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.
In France’s Fifth Republic, the president is elected for five years and appoints a prime minister, whose cabinet is also appointed by the president. This political structure has been under strain, particularly after Macron called snap elections following disappointing results in the June EU elections. The resulting parliamentary landscape has left France in a state of political stalemate, with three main blocs: the left, the centre, and the far right.
Seeking a Broad-Based Government
Macron’s initial choice of Barnier for a minority government, which relied on Marine Le Pen’s National Rally for support, has now collapsed. In an effort to restore stability, Macron is looking to form a government that does not depend on Le Pen’s party.
Three centre-left parties—the Socialists, Greens, and Communists—have distanced themselves from the radical LFI and are participating in talks to establish a new government. However, they have made it clear that they expect a leftist prime minister to be appointed if they are to support a broad-based coalition.
Greens leader Marine Tondelier stated, “I told you I wanted someone from the left and the Greens, and I think Mr. Bayrou isn’t one or the other.” She emphasized the need for the prime minister to come from the left to reflect the political realities of the recent elections.
Tensions Among Political Factions
Relations between the centre-left parties and Mélenchon’s radical LFI have deteriorated as discussions with Macron progressed. While Mélenchon has urged his former allies to steer clear of coalition agreements, Olivier Faure from the Socialists responded that “the more Mélenchon shouts, the less he’s heard.”
Marine Le Pen has also weighed in, calling for her party’s policies on the cost of living to be included in the upcoming government’s agenda. She emphasized the need for a budget that respects each party’s red lines.
As Barnier’s caretaker government prepares to present a bill to ensure the continuation of the 2024 budget provisions into the following year, the new administration will face the challenge of approving a budget for 2025 once it is in place.
Conclusion
Macron’s decision to appoint a new prime minister comes at a critical juncture for French politics. With mounting public concern and a fragmented political landscape, the choice of successor will be crucial in shaping the future of Macron’s presidency and restoring stability in the country. As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on Macron’s next move and the potential implications for the French government and its policies.