France is on the cusp of a new government as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to announce his choice for prime minister, following months of political turmoil and the ouster of Michel Barnier. The fate of France’s next leader hangs in the balance.
France Names New Prime Minister in Bid to Restore Stability
President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to serve out his second term as French president, but he faces a significant challenge in restoring stability after the ouster of Michel Barnier as prime minister. The Elysée palace announced that Macron will wait until Friday before announcing his choice for the next prime minister, following months of political turmoil.
A Bid to End Months of Turmoil
French politics has been deadlocked since Macron called snap parliamentary elections during the summer, leaving France in a state of political stalemate. The outcome led to the downfall of Barnier’s minority government, which relied on Marine Le Pen’s National Rally for its survival. Now, Macron is hoping to restore stability without relying on her party.
A Complex Web of Alliances
Macron has already held round-table talks with leaders from all main political parties, except for the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) and far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen. The former Brexit negotiator was voted out after his plans for €60bn in tax cuts and spending rises were rejected by left-wing MPs. Among the favourites to replace Barnier are centrist MoDem leader François Bayrou, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, and centre-left ex-prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve.
The Road Ahead
The French government’s collapse in a no-confidence vote has created an opportunity for Macron to restore stability without depending on Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. However, the centre-left parties – the Socialists, Greens, and Communists – have broken ranks with the more radical left LFI and have taken part in talks on forming a new government. They want to see a leftist prime minister of their choice if they are going to join a broad-based government.
A Delicate Balance
The relations between the centre left and the radical LFI appear to have broken down over the three parties’ decision to pursue talks with President Macron. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen has called for her party’s policies on the cost of living to be taken into account by the incoming government. The incoming government will face a significant challenge in balancing the competing demands of different political parties and interest groups.
A New Government on the Horizon
The former caretaker government has put forward a bill to enable the provisions of the 2024 budget to continue into next year. However, a replacement budget for 2025 will have to be approved once the next government takes office. With Macron’s decision expected on Friday, France is holding its breath as it waits to see who will take the reins and restore stability in the country.
A Prime Minister Who Will Not Be Brought Down
Macron has vowed to remain in office until his second term ends in 2027, despite Barnier’s downfall last week. He needs to form a government that will not be brought down the way Barnier’s was in the National Assembly. The fate of France’s next prime minister hangs in the balance as Macron prepares to announce his choice on Friday.
