In a gripping political saga, French President Emmanuel Macron finds himself scrambling to appoint a new prime minister after Michel Barnier’s government was ousted last week in a historic no-confidence vote. With pressure mounting from all sides, Macron is striving to form a stable government amid a hung parliament.
Pressure Mounts for a New Leader
Macron is determined to announce a new prime minister by the evening of 12 December 2024, following a whirlwind of discussions with party leaders. The objective is clear: to build a ‘government of national interest‘ that can endure and effectively govern during this turbulent time.
Political Landscape in Flux
- Michel Barnier, who served as prime minister for only three months, remains in caretaker control.
- Far-right and hard-left factions, notably the National Rally (RN) and France Unbowed (LFI), joined forces to topple Barnier.
- Macron’s party, La République En Marche!, is seeking alliances, particularly with the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP).
Potential Candidates Surface
Names are being tossed around in the political arena, with Macron’s centrist ally, François Bayrou, seen as a contender. However, this has met resistance:
- Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, is advocating for a prime minister from the left.
- Other names include former foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and current Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
Seeking Common Ground
In the quest for stability, Maud Bregeon, spokeswoman for the caretaker government, has hinted at the possibility of a non-aggression pact among parties to prevent further government destabilisation. Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that a significant majority of people would support a ‘no-censure’ deal, though doubts about actual collaboration linger.
The Fiscal Cliff Ahead
As the cabinet discusses a critical budget draft law to ensure government functionality into the new year, the clarity on a new leadership emerges as urgent. The National Assembly plans to debate this legislation on 16 December, and many parties are anticipated to back it for the sake of political stability.
The Political Game Afoot
Macron’s political manoeuvres come at a time when the right-wing factions are poised to reshape the political narrative. Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure on the right, has commented on her potential to influence forthcoming presidential elections, expressing satisfaction at not being invited to the recent round of talks.
With Macron’s presidency stretching until 2027, eyes are keenly watching how he navigates these tumultuous waters to secure governance stability in France.