On the 13th (local time), nine days after the French government collapsed due to a no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives, the leader of a centrist political party was appointed as the new prime minister.
AFP reported on this day, “French President Emmanuel Macron appointed François Bairou (73), leader of the ruling centrist party MoDem, as the new prime minister.” Earlier, on the 4th, in the French House of Representatives, the leftist coalition New Popular Front (NFP) and the far-right National Coalition (RN) proposed a motion of no confidence in the administration led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
Typically, in France, a person from the largest party is appointed as prime minister. However, a rift arose from the moment President Macron appointed Barnier from the Republican Party, an orthodox right-wing party, as prime minister instead of the largest party, NFP.
Crucially, when Prime Minister Barnier announced the 2025 budget that focused on reducing public spending to resolve the fiscal deficit, both the left and far-right camps, concerned about a reduction in welfare benefits, fiercely opposed it.As a result,the no-confidence motion was passed with 331 votes in favor out of 577 seats,and the Barnier government resigned en masse just 90 days after taking office.He is the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the French Fifth Republic.
The opposition party argued that President Macron should also resign, but president macron rejected this and nominated a new prime minister that day. AFP reported, “President Macron reached an agreement on a new prime minister after meeting for two days with the leaders of the parties excluding the far-right party RN and the far-left France Unbowed (LFI).”
Representative Bairou is a prominent veteran politician in France. He ran for president three times in 2002, 2007, and 2012, but lost. In 2017, he declared his support for President Macron, and later served as Minister of Justice in the Macron administration.
However, as far-right and far-left parties are still opposed to Prime Minister Bairou’s appointment, it is unclear whether the new administration will be able to persuade the divided parliament to pass the budget bill. If the budget is not processed by the end of the year, a ‘shutdown’ situation may occur that paralyzes public administration, including payment of pensions and health insurance, for the first time in the 5th Republic.
Reporter Lee Cheong-ah [email protected]
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– How might the coalition between the left and far-right impact future political strategies in France?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Recent Developments in French Politics
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. the recent appointment of François Bairou as FranceS new Prime Minister has stirred meaningful conversation. Can you break down this event for our readers?
Political Expert (PE): Absolutely. The appointment of François Bairou, the leader of the centrist MoDem party, comes in the wake of a government collapse due to a no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives. This significant shift shows the current precariousness of Macron’s administration and highlights the ongoing tensions among the various political factions in France.
TNE: It’s intriguing that the new appointment followed a government collapse so swiftly. What led to this no-confidence motion against Michel Barnier?
PE: The no-confidence motion was spearheaded by the leftist coalition, the New Popular Front (NFP), alongside the far-right National Coalition (RN). this collaboration is noteworthy, as it underscores the desperation some factions feel regarding the government’s direction. the previous Prime Minister Barnier, coming from the Republicans, proposed a budget heavily focused on austerity measures aimed at reducing public spending, which didn’t sit well with both the left and the far-right who saw it as a threat to welfare programs.
TNE: so, we’re witnessing a coalition of unlikely partners — the left and far-right — coming together against a centrist government. What does that indicate about the current political climate in France?
PE: It indicates a significant fragmentation within French politics. Traditionally, one would expect these ideological opposites to be at loggerheads, but their shared grievance over austerity and welfare cuts has temporarily united them. This could signal a shift in how opposition parties might strategize moving forward, potentially creating more instability for Macron.
TNE: Speaking of President Macron, his choice of Bairou as Prime Minister is noteworthy. Typically, one would expect a prime minister to emerge from the largest party. why do you think Macron diverged from this tradition?
PE: Macron’s decision seems to be strategic. By appointing Bairou, he maintains a degree of control and ensures that the government aligns closer with centrist ideals, which is crucial for his long-term agenda. He likely sees the MoDem party as a stabilizing force that can help navigate through the current turbulence, even if it risks alienating larger factions like the NFP.
TNE: What challenges do you foresee Bairou facing as he steps into this role amidst existing political tensions?
PE: Bairou is walking into a minefield. He must immediately address the economic concerns that led to the political upheaval while also navigating the delicate balance of interests among varying factions. Moreover, he will need to rebuild trust within the public, especially as austerity measures remain contentious. His success will largely depend on his ability to foster dialogue and cooperation within a polarized assembly.
TNE: what does this growth mean for the citizens of France? How should they interpret these political shifts?
PE: For the citizens, this is a time of uncertainty. The political landscape is continuously evolving, and they need to stay informed and engaged. The ongoing rifts indicate that their voices are crucial in shaping the future direction of governance, especially as welfare and public spending become focal points. It’s essential for voters to understand how these changes may affect their everyday lives and the services they rely on.
TNE: Thank you for your insights today! It’s clear that French politics is facing significant changes, and we appreciate you helping us unpack it.
PE: My pleasure! It will be captivating to see how this plays out in the coming weeks.