PARIS — On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed François Bayrou, a centrist ally, as the new prime minister, in a move aimed at navigating the country through its significant political upheaval. This decision follows the recent historic parliamentary vote that led to the removal of the former government.
At 73, Bayrou is a prominent figure within Macron’s centrist coalition and has been a significant player in French politics for many years. His extensive political background is deemed essential for restoring order, particularly given that no single party currently controls a majority in the National Assembly. According to a statement from Macron’s office, Bayrou “has been tasked with forming a new government.”
Last week, the former Prime Minister Michel Barnier stepped down after facing a no-confidence vote, ignited by budgetary disagreements within the National Assembly. This departure has left France in a state of political limbo. In a recent address, Macron assured the public of his commitment to remain in office until the conclusion of his term in 2027.
During the transition ceremony, Bayrou expressed his understanding of the current challenges, stating, “No one knows the difficulty of the situation better” than he does. He reflected on his political journey, mentioning the calculated risks he has taken to highlight the significance of debt and deficits in major elections. France is currently facing pressure from the European Union and financial markets to mitigate its substantial debt, which is projected to hit 6% of its gross domestic product this year.
“I recognize that the risks of adversity are far greater than the chances for success,” Bayrou remarked, but expressed his aspiration to guide the country toward necessary reconciliation. “I believe this is the only viable path to success,” he asserted. Over the next few days, Bayrou is anticipated to engage in discussions with leaders from various parties to finalize his ministerial appointments.
The assignment before him is formidable, as Macron’s centrist coalition lacks a parliamentary majority, which means Bayrou’s Cabinet will need to depend on moderate representatives from both the left and right to maintain stability. Some conservatives are likely to be included in the new government structure. This approach by Macron aims to prevent far-right leader Marine Le Pen from gaining significant influence over the government. Le Pen played a crucial role in removing Barnier by collaborating with leftist forces to succeed in the no-confidence vote last week.
On Friday, Le Pen announced that her party would take a measured approach, urging Bayrou to be attentive to the demands of her supporters, particularly regarding the preservation of their purchasing power. Bayrou’s selection is also part of Macron’s strategy to forge a non-aggression understanding with the Socialists to ensure they do not attempt to destabilize the new administration. While the Socialists have declared they will not participate in the Cabinet, they have not dismissed the possibility of negotiating on certain policies and have requested guarantees from Bayrou to avoid the use of special constitutional powers to pass laws without parliamentary approval.
Bayrou is the leader of the centrist Democratic Movement (MoDem), a party he established in 2007. He was a supporter of Macron during his initial presidential run in 2017, becoming a key ally in the centrist political landscape. Although he briefly served as justice minister, he resigned amidst an investigation concerning alleged embezzlement by the MoDem, but was exonerated by a Paris court earlier this year, while other party officials were found guilty.
Bayrou gained national recognition as the education minister from 1993 to 1997, serving in a conservative administration. He has notably run for the presidency three times— in 2002, 2007, and 2012—making him a well-known figure in French politics. His name has frequently been mentioned in connection with the prime ministerial role in the past, yet he had not been selected until now. Many believe that Bayrou laid the groundwork for Macron’s emergence in 2017, tapping into public dissatisfaction with the traditional right and left parties that dominated French politics.
A father of six and an active Catholic, Bayrou has frequently highlighted his farming background from the Pyrenees mountains, showcasing his knowledge in agriculture, particularly with tractors and livestock, all while being entrenched in the political arena in Paris.