In a potential breakthrough to France's ongoing political deadlock, President Emmanuel Macron is set to hold discussions with Bernard Cazeneuve regarding the prime ministerial position. This development comes as France enters its ninth week under a "zombie" government, following a snap election in June that resulted in a hung parliament.
Bernard Cazeneuve, who previously served as Prime Minister for a brief five-month period from December 2016 to May 2017 under François Hollande's administration, has emerged as a possible compromise candidate. The consideration of Cazeneuve comes after Macron rejected demands from the hard-Left to appoint their preferred candidate.
"Bernard Cazeneuve is not asking for it, but if he does so, it is out of duty and to avoid additional difficulties for the country."
Cazeneuve's political journey has been marked by significant shifts. In 2022, he departed from the Socialist Party in protest against its alliance with the far-Left party France Unbowed (LFI). The following year, he established his own political party, La Convention, which failed to gain substantial traction.
France's current political landscape is complex, with a leftist coalition known as the New Popular Front (NFP) holding the most seats in the National Assembly, yet falling short of an absolute majority. This situation has led to what political observers term a "cohabitation" scenario, where the President and potential Prime Minister may come from different political backgrounds.
The prospect of Cazeneuve's appointment has elicited mixed reactions from various political figures. Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, expressed support, stating, "With him, we would have real cohabitation, and that is what is needed, unless we want to ignore the French vote." She believes Cazeneuve could unite political leaders from different factions around priority issues.
However, not all share this optimism. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialists, remains committed to the NFP's original candidate, while Manuel Bompard, LFI coordinator, has threatened a motion of no confidence if Cazeneuve is appointed. From the right, Eric Ciotti, Republican leader, criticized the potential move as a "return to the old world."
As part of his consultations, Macron is also scheduled to meet with former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande. These discussions underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for a solution that can navigate France's complex political landscape.
The ongoing political impasse highlights the challenges faced by France's semi-presidential system, which combines elements of parliamentary and presidential governance. The Prime Minister, while appointed by the President, must maintain the confidence of the National Assembly, adding another layer of complexity to the current situation.
As France awaits the outcome of these high-level discussions, the country remains in a state of political uncertainty, with citizens and international observers alike keenly watching for signs of a resolution to this protracted governmental crisis.