After a 50-day delay, French President Emmanuel Macron has finally appointed Michel Barnier as the country’s new Prime Minister. This decision comes as a compromise and a strategic move to break the political deadlock that has plagued Macron’s administration since the recent legislative elections.
The French parliamentary elections resulted in a hung parliament, with no single party securing a majority. The Left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) emerged as the largest faction, while Macron’s centrist coalition Ensemble and the Far-Right National Rally coalition followed closely behind. This political gridlock forced Macron to operate with a caretaker government, unable to form a stable cabinet.
Barnier, a veteran French politician who previously held key positions in the French government and served as the EU Commissioner, is a staunch pro-European. He was chosen by Macron after a series of other potential candidates were rejected. While Barnier is likely to receive support from a majority of lawmakers, the Left-wing NPF has announced its opposition to his appointment. The Far-Right National Rally members are expected to vote in favor of Barnier, but their support comes with conditions. They have demanded that the new government address key issues such as the cost of living, security, and immigration, threatening to disrupt Barnier’s government if their concerns are not met.
Macron faces three major challenges with Barnier’s appointment. First, forming a government that can maintain stability is crucial. The Les Republicains party, with which Macron must ally, has 213 parliamentary seats, falling short of the 289 required for a majority. Additionally, the NPF has vowed to oppose Barnier, arguing that Macron should have selected a Prime Minister from their coalition.
Second, Macron must secure the passage of the national budget for 2025 by next month. Failure to do so could trigger a no-confidence vote against his government. This challenge is heightened by the Left’s rejection of Macron’s previous Prime Minister candidate, which further strained relations with the NPF.
Finally, Macron’s reliance on the Right-wing for his government’s survival could significantly boost the political career of Far-Right icon Marine Le Pen. Le Pen, who has emerged as a strong contender in recent presidential elections, is now seen as a potential kingmaker for future French governments.
The political landscape in France is becoming increasingly complex. Macron’s second term is already facing significant challenges, with potential for a change in leadership sooner than expected. Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced his intention to run for president in 2025, potentially pushing Macron out of office before the end of his mandate. Meanwhile, Le Pen continues to gain momentum, threatening to become a dominant force in French politics. With the political landscape shifting, the future of France remains uncertain.
