Macron Cuts Short Poland Visit to Appoint New Prime Minister
Paris, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced on Thursday that he had cut short his visit to Poland to return to France and appoint a new prime minister. The move follows the recent rejection of Prime Minister Michel Barnier by lawmakers in a no-confidence vote eight days ago.
Barnier, who had served as prime minister for only three months, faced significant backlash from members of parliament across the political spectrum. His decision to push through the 2025 budget without prior parliamentary approval angered both the right and left factions. Barnier defended his actions, stating that it was necessary to maintain “stability” amid the ongoing political divisions within France.
Following the vote, Macron asked Barnier to continue in a caretaker role until a new prime minister could be appointed. During a meeting at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday, party leaders confirmed that Macron had promised to name a successor within 48 hours. Notably, the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and the far-left France Unbowed party, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, were not included in these discussions. Macron indicated that he would engage only with more moderate political forces to form a stable government.
In a nationally televised address following the no-confidence vote, Macron vowed to remain in office until the end of his presidential term in 2027. He also committed to appointing a new prime minister who would form a government “in the general interest,” aiming to bring together political parties willing to participate without undermining the administration through future no-confidence motions.
A spokeswoman for Barnier’s caretaker government, Maud Brégeon, stated on Wednesday that Macron’s strategy would likely involve bringing center-left parties into his center/center-right coalition or reaching agreements with them to avoid further destabilizing the government.
Analysts have suggested several top candidates for the role of prime minister, including François Bayrou, leader of the centrist Democratic Movement party; Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu; and former Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, a prominent center-left figure.
As Macron prepares to appoint his new prime minister, the focus will be on forming a government that can navigate France’s polarized political landscape while addressing pressing national issues.
