In a historic appointment, Emmanuel Macron has named François Bayrou as France’s new prime minister, aiming to bring stability to the country after a tumultuous period of political deadlock.
The Search for Stability: Macron Names François Bayrou as New French Prime Minister
President Emmanuel Macron met centrist leader François Bayrou on Friday, marking a significant step in his efforts to find a new prime minister following the ousting of Michel Barnier. The meeting, which lasted about an hour and three-quarters, was described as tense by French media.
A Challenge Ahead: Forming a Government
Macron’s challenge now lies in forming a government that can withstand the test of time. If he chooses Bayrou, who is leader of the centrist MoDem party, the task will be to bring together parties from the centre left into the government or agree on a pact so they do not oust the next prime minister as well.
A History of Turmoil
French politics has been deadlocked since Macron called snap parliamentary elections during the summer. The outcome left France in political stalemate, with three large political blocs made up of the left, centre, and far right. Barnier’s government, which was reliant on Marine Le Pen’s National Rally for its survival, collapsed after a no-confidence vote.
The Road to Recovery
Macron has vowed to remain in office until his second term ends in 2027, despite Barnier’s downfall last week. He has already held round-table talks with leaders from all the main political parties, bar the far-left France Unbowed of Jean-Luc Mélenchon and far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen.
A Path Forward
The former Brexit negotiator, Barnier, was voted out when Le Pen’s National Rally joined left-wing MPs in rejecting his plans for €60bn (£50bn) in tax rises and spending cuts. He was seeking to cut France’s budget deficit, which is set to hit 6.1% of economic output (GDP) this year.
A Complex Political Landscape
Under the political system of France’s Fifth Republic, the president is elected for five years and then appoints a prime minister whose choice of cabinet is then appointed by the president. The outcome of the snap elections left France in a complex political landscape, with three large political blocs made up of the left, centre, and far right.
A New Path Forward
Three 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. However, they have made clear they want to see a leftist prime minister of their choice if they are going to join a broad-based government.
A Final Word
Macron’s decision to appoint Bayrou as his new prime minister will be closely watched by French voters, who are worried about the political situation. An opinion poll for BFMTV on Thursday suggested 61% of French voters were worried by the political situation.
