PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron is actively pursuing a political solution that would allow him to appoint a new prime minister while ensuring the nation’s stability, following the departure of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This announcement was made by a spokesperson for the outgoing administration on Wednesday.
Maud Bregeon, the spokesperson, noted that Macron emphasized there is currently no broader political coalition beyond the existing partnership between his centrist supporters and the conservative Republicans party, which lacks a parliamentary majority. Bregeon conveyed Macron’s statements made during a regular Cabinet meeting.
Last week, Macron declared his intention to serve until the conclusion of his term, set for 2027. This announcement came after a significant no-confidence vote triggered by budgetary disagreements in the National Assembly, which left the French government in a state of dysfunction.
Barnier’s administration remains responsible for managing ongoing matters until a new prime minister is appointed. Two potential paths are currently under consideration by Macron, according to Bregeon.
The first option involves broadening the governing alliance to include some leftist members, alongside centrists and conservatives, which could secure a parliamentary majority for the future government. The second option would involve reaching agreements with opposition parties on the left, asking them to refrain from voting for any no-confidence motions, even if they do not take on governing roles, Bregeon explained.
Macron has not set a specific timeline for naming his successor, as indicated by Bregeon.
Since last week, Macron has engaged in discussions with politicians from both the left and right, including key leaders from the Socialist party, who are seen as crucial for establishing a more stable governing framework.
Notably, no discussions have included the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, or the hard-left France Unbowed party of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, as Macron has expressed a preference to engage only with more moderate factions.
Le Pen, who played a role in Barnier’s removal by supporting the no-confidence vote, publicly urged on Wednesday that her party’s proposals for safeguarding the purchasing power of the French public should be integrated into the discussions of the incoming government.
The next prime minister must recognize “what needs to be done to ensure effective governance,” which includes engaging with all political affiliates and crafting a budget that respects the various parties’ constraints, Le Pen asserted. She concluded with optimism, stating, “It’s perfectly doable.”
On the same day, the outgoing government announced a new legislation aimed at allowing the state to impose taxes from January 1, based on the current year’s regulations, thus preventing a governmental shutdown.
This temporary bill, which is anticipated to receive parliamentary approval by year-end, aims to maintain “the continuity of the nation’s operations, the consistent functioning of public services, and the fulfillment of our financial obligations,” according to departing budget minister Laurent Saint-Martin.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive budget proposal for the year 2025 will need to be presented by the new administration and passed by parliament in the upcoming months, Saint-Martin emphasized.
