the promise was not kept. The new prime minister will be named on Friday morning by Emmanuel Macron, the Elysée announced on Thursday evening.
“The press release on the appointment of the Prime Minister will be published tommorow (Friday) morning,” said the president’s companions, when the latter had just landed near Paris, returning from a visit to Poland. Emmanuel Macron had initially promised to appoint the head of government by thursday at the latest.
after thinking of announcing his choice the day after December 4, the day of the historic censure of the Barnier government, the head of state promised a prime minister on Tuesday afternoon “within 48 hours”. An oath addressed to the leaders of the formations in an arc that goes from the communists to the right, united in the search for compromise and in the absence of the National Rally (RN) and France insoumise.
In the end the choice turns out to be even more difficult than expected.
“No one is allowed”
“I am in the trap”, there is “a volley at every name”, deplores someone close to Emmanuel Macron. “No one is in tune around the president,” he adds, hoping that the latter will surprise everyone with an unexpected profile.
What name to extricate the country from an unprecedented political crisis? François Bayrou, the faithful centrist ally who always takes his time and this time seemed the favourite? Or Bernard Cazeneuve, to reward the promises of the Socialist Party, of which some deputies, including former president François Hollande, appoint the former prime minister at the last moment?
Unless these two tenors, the head of State prefers a team leader less known to the French. On Thursday afternoon, several RN deputies, including leaders Sébastien Chenu and Jean-Philippe Tanguy, later scored on Wednesday. “Roland Lescure?” Motion of censure,” wrote the spokesperson of the Lepénist group Laure Lavalette, before deleting her message.
Parliamentary sources confirm that the name of the French social-liberal deputy established in North America, who had criticized the weight of Marine Le Pen’s party in the birth of the barnier government, is indeed on the table. Taking the hypothesis “seriously”, the entourage of the resigning Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, warned that it woudl be a “big problem” for his party, Les Républicains (LR), as Roland Lescure “brings a reverse line ” immigration.
“Non-censorship agreement”
The president has tried to guarantee in recent days that the future executive would benefit from a “non-censorship pact”, in particular from the Socialist Party, or even from ecologists.François Bayrou has long been proposing to the Head of State a government of key figures capable of convincing a sufficient number of deputies, without waiting for a formal agreement between the party leaders. PS First Secretary Olivier Faure publicly rejected the bayrou option on Wednesday, calling for a left-wing prime minister.
“The French want a bit of enthusiasm, momentum, breath, something new,” launched the head of ecologists Marine Tondelier on France 2 on Thursday, inviting Emmanuel Macron “to step out of his comfort zone.” He rejected those who in his eyes embody the “past”: François Bayrou but also the former socialist bernard Cazeneuve,whom the president had formally consulted in September without naming him.
The one who became a lawyer ”is in the same state of mind as before, worried about the gravity of the situation, and aware of the impossibility of escaping if we call him”, lets slip a deputy close to the last prime minister of François Hollande.
Sarkozy’s shadow
On the right wing of the macronie we would prefer the immovable Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, very close to the president, or his colleague Catherine vautrin. Some also fear that LR, after having participated in the Barnier adventure, will refuse in the face of a more left-wing government.
On the right, François Bayrou also arouses a certain hostility: on Wednesday the veto of the former head of state Nicolas Sarkozy broke out throughout the day in the corridors, who cannot digest his vote for François Hollande in front of him in the presidential elections of 2012.
In any case there is an emergency. The fall of Michel Barnier, overthrown by deputies with unprecedented censure as 1962, leaves the country without a budget for 2025. A special bill to avoid the paralysis of the state was presented to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday and begins its journey parliamentarian expressed that it should allow its adoption next week. But it does not allow the renewal of many old or new provisions favorable to French citizens and businesses.
What impact could the delay in the Prime Minister appointment have on public trust in the French government?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political expert: The Unfolding drama of Prime Minister Appointment in France
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elise Moreau, a political analyst and expert in French politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Moreau.
Dr. Elise Moreau (EM): Thank you for having me! It’s a fascinating time in French politics.
TNE: Indeed it is indeed! We just learned that the announcement for the new Prime Minister has been pushed to tomorrow,upsetting Emmanuel Macron’s original timeline. Why do you think there was such a delay?
EM: The delay highlights the complexities and tensions within Macron’s government and the political landscape in France. Given the unprecedented political crisis,he’s facing immense pressure to choose a candidate who can unite a fragmented parliament. The struggle indicates that the political factions are still grappling with their identity in the post-election era.
TNE: Macron had initially promised to appoint a Prime Minister by Thursday, and now we’re left speculating.What does this tell us about his leadership style during a crisis?
EM: It suggests that Macron is in a precarious position. He wants to project decisiveness but is clearly wrestling with the political realities of the moment. As someone close to him remarked, “No one is in tune around the president,” which appears to reflect the lack of consensus on a suitable candidate.This makes any hasty decision potentially risky.
TNE: Fascinating point. With the political allies ranging from communists to the right, it seems everyone is holding their breath for this announcement. What’s causing this gridlock, in your view?
EM: The gridlock arises from the conflicting interests among the parties. Macron is aiming for someone who can appeal to both the center and left while effectively ostracizing the National Rally and France insoumise. This balancing act creates a elaborate landscape, where every potential candidate could alienate a certain faction.
TNE: Some names like François Bayrou and Bernard Cazeneuve have emerged as favorites. What factors do you think will ultimately influence Macron’s choice?
EM: Macron’s choice will depend heavily on who can navigate the current tensions and provide some sense of stability. François bayrou has his loyal base and a centrist appeal, while Cazeneuve could provide the reassurance that comes with experience. However, he may also opt for an unexpected figure, possibly from outside the limelight, to surprise everyone and break the mold.
TNE: What are the potential risks if Macron chooses someone who does not unite the party?
EM: If he selects someone who fails to resonate with the various factions,it could lead to further disintegration in his government. This would weaken his position and could provoke motions of censure or political unrest, as we’ve seen with the calls for accountability from far-right parties. The stakes are high, especially in a time when public trust is wavering.
TNE: Interesting. As we wait for the announcement, how do you think the French public perceives this delay?
EM: Public perception is key. Many see this delay as indicative of a government that is indecisive or out of touch with the people’s needs. If the public feels that the decision is more about political maneuvering than governance, it could lead to a significant backlash. Macron will need to communicate effectively to maintain public faith.
TNE: There’s no doubt that eyes are on france right now.Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights today. We look forward to following this developing story and hearing your analysis on the appointed candidate.
EM: Thank you! It’s my pleasure,and I’m looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds.