Le Pen Predicts Brief Tenure for New French PM Barnier
Marine Le Pen forecasts Michel Barnier's term as French Prime Minister will last less than a year. The National Rally leader's statement comes amid political tensions following recent elections that resulted in a hung parliament.
In a recent development in French politics, Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), has predicted that newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier will not remain in office for more than a year. This statement comes just days before Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator, is set to announce his government.
Le Pen, addressing her party members in Paris, suggested that new legislative elections could occur in approximately 10 months. She expressed her desire for Barnier's mandate to be "as short as possible," adding, "I think it can't last."
The political landscape in France has been complex since the July 2024 snap elections, which resulted in a hung parliament. Emmanuel Macron, who has been serving as President since 2017, selected Barnier as Prime Minister in early September 2024, ending nearly two months of political deadlock.
The National Rally, despite winning the first round of the snap legislative elections, was prevented from gaining power due to electoral agreements among other parties. However, it emerged as the largest single party in the National Assembly. Le Pen stated, "Our great country that is France cannot function like this, cannot be led by a political force that won 5 percent."
Jordan Bardella, the RN party president, emphasized their role as a "constructive opposition" while maintaining their objectives and ambitions. He called on party members to "cross a new threshold and become an influential opposition" and "to snatch victories everywhere" in the coming months.
Barnier faces significant challenges in forming his government. He must balance various political interests to prevent a vote of no confidence, which could come as early as October when he presents his policy objectives. The former EU commissioner has promised to form a government "with serious ministers" and to address issues such as immigration control with "rigour and tenacity" and "humanity."
"I am convinced that there will be new legislative elections at the end of these 10 months, and I hope for them."
President Macron's role in this new political configuration remains uncertain. Some sources suggest he may distance himself from Barnier, potentially waiting for the Prime Minister to fail. However, Macron cannot dissolve the Assembly and call for new elections until July 2025, one year after the recent snap elections.
The current situation reflects the complexities of France's semi-presidential system, established in 1958 under the Fifth Republic. As the country navigates this period of political uncertainty, the interactions between the President, Prime Minister, and opposition parties will be crucial in shaping France's immediate future.
