In a bid to resolve France's ongoing political impasse, President Emmanuel Macron is evaluating potential candidates for the role of prime minister. Among the frontrunners is Michel Barnier, the European Union's former chief Brexit negotiator, who was reportedly present at the Elysée Palace recently.
The search for a new prime minister comes as France grapples with a fragmented political landscape following recent elections. The French National Assembly, comprising 577 seats, is currently divided into three main blocs, with no single party holding a majority. This situation has created significant challenges for governance and policy implementation.
Other potential candidates under consideration include Xavier Bertrand, a conservative former minister and current head of the Hauts-de-France region, and Bernard Cazeneuve, who previously served as Prime Minister from 2016 to 2017. The list also includes lesser-known figures such as Thierry Baudet and David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes.
The appointment of a new prime minister is crucial for Macron as he faces mounting economic pressures. Bruno Le Maire, the current Minister of the Economy and Finance, has announced that France's deficit is projected to exceed 6% of GDP by 2025. This economic situation adds urgency to resolving the political deadlock, as the government must submit a draft 2025 budget by October 1, 2024.
"We will seek a motion of no confidence should Xavier Bertrand be picked as prime minister."
The potential appointment of Barnier as prime minister could have implications for France's relationship with the United Kingdom, given his role in Brexit negotiations. His selection might be viewed unfavorably by pro-Brexit groups in the UK, potentially adding a layer of complexity to cross-Channel relations.
France's current political situation is a result of the country's semi-presidential system, established in 1958 under the Fifth Republic. The recent European Parliament elections, held in June 2023, saw Marine Le Pen's National Rally party outperform Macron's ruling party, leading to the call for snap legislative elections.
As Macron navigates this challenging political landscape, the appointment of a new prime minister will be crucial in determining France's ability to address its economic challenges and maintain stability in the coming years.