President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist Francois Bayrou as France’s new prime minister, entrusting him with the challenging task of navigating the country out of a prolonged political crisis. The appointment comes just nine days after a historic no-confidence vote ousted Michel Barnier’s government following a contentious standoff over an austerity budget.
The 73-year-old leader of the MoDem party, which is allied with Macron’s La République En Marche, was chosen as the most “consensual” candidate to restore stability, according to a source within Macron’s team. “The president of the Republic has appointed Mr. Francois Bayrou as prime minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the presidency announced.
Macron had initially intended to reveal his choice for a new prime minister during a national address last week but delayed the decision, missing a 48-hour deadline set during a meeting with party leaders.
The political landscape remains complex for Macron, particularly after snap parliamentary elections in July left the lower house deeply divided, with no single party or coalition holding a majority. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who collaborated with the left to bring down Barnier’s government, stated that her National Rally (RN) party would not automatically oppose Bayrou but hinted at the potential to use no-confidence votes as a “lever.”
“I’m not threatening no-confidence motions morning, noon, and night. I’m just saying that I’m not giving up on this tool,” she remarked.
In response, the leftist France Insoumise (LFI) party has indicated it will propose a no-confidence motion, while the Socialists have outlined conditions for their support. They demand that Bayrou refrain from pushing laws through without parliamentary approval and avoid relying on far-right support, emphasizing their unwillingness to accept ministerial positions in the new government.
