French President Emmanuel Macron faces a critical deadline to restore stability after the ouster of Michel Barnier’s government. With just 48 hours to appoint a new prime minister, Macron is under immense pressure to resolve France’s political crisis. The “French government turmoil” has gripped the nation, threatening economic stability and further divisions in parliament.
A Historic No-Confidence Vote
Last week, Macron’s government suffered a historic defeat when a no-confidence vote toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Far-right and hard-left lawmakers joined forces to bring down the minority government, citing frustrations over an austerity budget. The collapse left France with a political vacuum as Macron struggled to build a consensus.
On Tuesday, Macron hosted leaders from across the political spectrum to discuss forming a “government of national interest.” However, the far-right National Rally (RN) and the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), the parties behind Barnier’s ouster, were excluded from the talks.
Race to Build Alliances
To avoid further instability, Macron is seeking a broad coalition capable of surviving a no-confidence vote and passing a critical budget for 2025. He has attempted to persuade the Socialists, Greens, and Communists to break away from their alliance with the LFI. However, these groups demand that the next prime minister come from their ranks.
Among the possible candidates, François Bayrou, a centrist and former justice minister, has emerged as a frontrunner. Despite his acquittal in a recent embezzlement case, critics view Bayrou, 73, as a symbol of continuity. Socialist leader Olivier Faure has opposed Bayrou’s candidacy, calling for a fresh face from the left.
Other potential contenders include Jean-Yves Le Drian, a former foreign minister who reportedly declined an initial offer, and Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Macron has also proposed a non-aggression pact to prevent opposition parties from toppling the government.
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Urgent Budget Talks
The crisis comes at a critical time for France’s finances. On Wednesday, the caretaker government presented an emergency budget draft to ensure state operations continue into the new year. The National Assembly will debate the bill on Monday, with the Senate taking it up on Wednesday. Most parties are expected to back the budget to avoid further instability.
Macron has warned of the consequences of last week’s no-confidence vote, describing it as “a serious choice” with far-reaching implications. At the final meeting of Barnier’s cabinet, Macron expressed gratitude to the outgoing government and urged political leaders to prioritize stability over discord.
Le Pen’s Growing Influence
The political turmoil has elevated far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s profile. Although excluded from Macron’s talks, Le Pen remains a key figure in France’s fractured political landscape. A recent poll suggests she could secure up to 38% of the vote in the first round of the next presidential election.
However, Le Pen’s future remains uncertain as she faces a high-profile embezzlement trial. If convicted in March, she may be barred from running in the 2027 presidential race.
Macron’s Next Move
As Macron prepares to visit Poland, the clock is ticking. Party insiders suggest a new prime minister could be announced by Wednesday evening. The stakes are high as Macron navigates one of the most challenging moments of his presidency.
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