French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist politician François Bayrou as prime minister, sparking a mixed reaction from senior politicians in France. Can Macron’s surprise move to the center bring stability to his government?
Mixed Reaction as France’s Macron Appoints Centrist as New Premier
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist politician François Bayrou as prime minister, just over a week after the fall of the previous government. This move has sparked a mixed reaction from senior politicians in France.
A New Government Takes Shape
The opposition brought down conservative former premier Michel Barnier in a dispute over an austerity budget, leaving Macron with the task of finding a new prime minister. While it is not yet clear whether Bayrou will enjoy more support than Barnier, his appointment sets the stage for a complex balance of power in the National Assembly.
Opposition Reacts to Bayrou’s Appointment
Left Party coordinator Manuel Bompard immediately announced that he wanted a vote of no confidence in the new premier, citing Bayrou’s need to be removed from office so that Macron could also be forced out. In contrast, Marine Tondelier, head of the Greens, stated that there would be a vote of no confidence if Macron continued to pursue his current policies with the new premier and tried to keep certain key ministers in office.
On the other hand, Jordan Bardella, head of the far-right National Rally (RN), initially stated that his party was not planning to oust Bayrou. However, RN parliamentary leader Marine Le Pen called on the new premier to listen to the opposition and draw up a reasonable budget. The Socialists also made it clear that they would refrain from putting forward a vote of no confidence if Bayrou did not make himself dependent on the right-wing nationalists.
Economic Crisis Looms Over Macron’s Government
France has been facing a critical economic situation, with soaring national debt and a large budgetary deficit. Opposition parties have demanded Macron resign amid this crisis, which includes a 2025 budget still not approved just weeks before the new year. Macron has refused to step down.
A Delicate Balance of Power
There are three main camps in the National Assembly: the left-wing camp of Socialists, communists, greens and populists; Macron’s centrist forces; and the right-wing nationalists led by Le Pen. The unlikely bedfellows of the left-wing camp and the right-wing nationalists combined to bring down Barnier’s government.
Bayrou will be tasked with forming a government that brings in as many parties as possible. While they are not likely to establish a formal coalition, they will be expected to cooperate to the extent of not immediately throwing out the new government over passing a budget. A new parliamentary election cannot be held until a year after the last vote in July, according to France’s constitution.
Macron has vowed to serve out his five-year term, due to end in 2027. He has said that it is his responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of state institutions, the independence of the country and the protection of the population. He has also accused the far left and the far right of damaging the republic.
