Emmanuel Macron has reportedly vetoed Michel Barnier's suggestion to appoint Laurence Garnier, a conservative senator, as families minister in the new French cabinet. This decision has ignited a political firestorm, exposing the delicate balance in forming a government following July's inconclusive elections.
Barnier, 73, who previously served as the EU's Brexit negotiator, has been tasked with assembling a new administration after his appointment as prime minister two weeks ago. The process has been complicated by the hung parliament resulting from the snap elections held in July 2024.
The proposed appointment of Garnier, known for her opposition to same-sex marriage and recent support for regulations on gender transition treatments for minors, has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing politicians. They argue that such a move would signal a shift towards more conservative policies.
"The names cited so far indicate an extreme right-wing tendency on the part of Macron. There is no respect for universal suffrage."
The controversy surrounding Garnier's potential nomination highlights the complex political landscape in France. The country's National Assembly is currently divided into three main blocs: a left-wing alliance, Macron's centrist group, and Marine Le Pen's National Rally. This fragmentation has made governance challenging, with Macron reportedly telling aides he believes France is essentially a "right-wing country."
The ongoing cabinet formation process is taking place against a backdrop of urgent economic challenges. France's public deficit is projected to reach 5.6% of GDP this year, putting pressure on the incoming government to address fiscal issues promptly.
Pierre Moscovici, president of the state auditor, has warned that the upcoming budget could be "the hardest to put together in the history of the Fifth Republic." This statement underscores the significant economic hurdles facing the new administration.
As Barnier continues to negotiate the composition of his cabinet, the political tensions and ideological differences within the French government are becoming increasingly apparent. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape France's policy direction in the coming months and years.