In a significant political shake-up, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to appoint a new prime minister "in the coming days" following the resignation of Michel Barnier, who was ousted in an unprecedented no-confidence vote.
Macron Set to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil
Macron Set to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil
French President confirms new PM to be named soon following Barnier's resignation, amid calls for government compromise.
On Thursday, Macron addressed the nation, asserting that he would not step down despite growing opposition pressure, and reaffirmed his commitment to serve until the end of his term in 2027. He expressed gratitude to Barnier for his service during his brief tenure, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of opposition MPs to bring down the government, which he described as an "anti-republican front."
The no-confidence motion passed on Wednesday marked the first time in over 60 years that a French government was dismissed by parliament. Macron is now faced with the challenging task of identifying a prime minister who can gain parliamentary support, especially with the current Assembly divided among the left, center, and far-right blocs.
On Friday, Macron engaged in discussions with leaders from the Socialist party, who showed willingness for a compromise but were hesitant to see a prime minister from the right. Meanwhile, Socialist leader Olivier Faure indicated readiness to negotiate a "fixed-term" government while maintaining a distance from the continuity of Macron's policies.
The political landscape remains delicate as Macron navigates the complexities of coalition-building. New elections cannot be held until July 2025, prompting some leaders to seek limited-term solutions. Faure stated that Macron did not request the Socialists to separate from the broader left-wing alliance during their talks.
The fall of Barnier, who recently utilized special powers to push through a budget without a parliamentary vote, has resulted in his resignation and the automatic withdrawal of the budget proposal. Remaining in a caretaker role until a new government is formed, Barnier's ousting has sparked debates about Macron's decision to call snap elections, which led to a parliamentary deadlock.
In his address, Macron acknowledged the criticism surrounding his election call, asserting that his opponents prioritized "chaos over responsibility" rather than focusing on voters. Though none of the potential candidates for the new prime minister have been confirmed, speculation surrounds Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and former presidential candidate François Bayrou.
The political situation bears significant implications for both domestic governance and European stability. As Macron positions himself for the future, attention will be drawn to the selection of the new prime minister, with France's influential role on the global stage emphasized through upcoming events, including the opening ceremony of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The no-confidence motion passed on Wednesday marked the first time in over 60 years that a French government was dismissed by parliament. Macron is now faced with the challenging task of identifying a prime minister who can gain parliamentary support, especially with the current Assembly divided among the left, center, and far-right blocs.
On Friday, Macron engaged in discussions with leaders from the Socialist party, who showed willingness for a compromise but were hesitant to see a prime minister from the right. Meanwhile, Socialist leader Olivier Faure indicated readiness to negotiate a "fixed-term" government while maintaining a distance from the continuity of Macron's policies.
The political landscape remains delicate as Macron navigates the complexities of coalition-building. New elections cannot be held until July 2025, prompting some leaders to seek limited-term solutions. Faure stated that Macron did not request the Socialists to separate from the broader left-wing alliance during their talks.
The fall of Barnier, who recently utilized special powers to push through a budget without a parliamentary vote, has resulted in his resignation and the automatic withdrawal of the budget proposal. Remaining in a caretaker role until a new government is formed, Barnier's ousting has sparked debates about Macron's decision to call snap elections, which led to a parliamentary deadlock.
In his address, Macron acknowledged the criticism surrounding his election call, asserting that his opponents prioritized "chaos over responsibility" rather than focusing on voters. Though none of the potential candidates for the new prime minister have been confirmed, speculation surrounds Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and former presidential candidate François Bayrou.
The political situation bears significant implications for both domestic governance and European stability. As Macron positions himself for the future, attention will be drawn to the selection of the new prime minister, with France's influential role on the global stage emphasized through upcoming events, including the opening ceremony of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral.
