10
Loading video...
By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
François Bayrou has been appointed on Friday as the new Prime Minister of France following the resignation of Michel Barnier.
The centrist leader met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace early this morning to formalize his appointment.
Macron's office said in a statement that Bayrou "has been charged with forming a new government."
Read More on News
Barnier stepped down after his government collapsed last week, triggered by a no-confidence vote. The political crisis arose after Barnier invoked special powers to push a social security budget through the lower house of parliament without a final vote.
...
Who Is the New French Prime Minister François Bayrou?
Bayrou was a key supporter of Macron's first presidential campaign in 2017, becoming an influential figure in the French president's centrist alliance.
Following Macron's victory, Bayrou was appointed justice minister but resigned shortly after amid an investigation into MoDem's alleged embezzlement of European Parliament funds.
This year, a Paris court cleared Bayrou of wrongdoing in the case, while eight other MoDem officials were found guilty. The party was ordered to pay a fine as part of the ruling.
What Does the Appointment of Bayrou Mean for Macron?
Bayrou, a close ally of Macron, is a veteran politician and mayor from the southwest, who also leads the centrist MoDem party which he founded in 2007.
Before the official announcement, Bayrou and Macron reportedly engaged in nearly two hours of tense discussions, according to French media.
Macron now faces the challenge of ensuring Bayrou's tenure surpasses that of his predecessor, Barnier. The former Brexit negotiator was ousted by MPs just nine days ago after a three-month stint in office.
As Macron reaches the midpoint of his second presidential term, Bayrou becomes his fourth prime minister in less than a year, underscoring the instability within his government.
...
Why Is France in a Political Gridlock?
French politics has remained in gridlock since Macron called snap parliamentary elections over the summer. The political stalemate has fueled growing public concern, with a recent BFMTV opinion poll revealing that 61 percent of French voters are worried about the current situation.
Nevertheless, in a televised address to the nation, Macron pledged to remain in office until his term ends in 2027, despite the ongoing political turmoil.
With Macron's centrist alliance lacking a parliamentary majority, Bayrou's Cabinet will need to secure support from moderate lawmakers across the political spectrum to maintain stability. The new government is expected to include some conservative figures as part of efforts to build a broader coalition.
Macron's strategy centers on preventing far-right leader Marine Le Pen from wielding decisive power over the government. Le Pen played a key role in ousting Barnier last week by aligning her National Rally party with leftist forces to pass the no-confidence motion.
The appointment of Bayrou reflects Macron's push to stabilize his administration. Bayrou's selection aligns with efforts to establish a nonaggression pact with the socialists, aiming to secure their commitment to abstain from voting against the government in future confidence motions.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines