FRANCE: In a significant political shift, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister of France. This move comes after a seven-week hiatus in leadership and follows a deadlock resulting from the parliamentary snap elections held in July.
Barnier, a prominent conservative politician with a long career in French politics, replaces Gabriel Attal. Macron's decision to appoint Barnier has sparked controversy, particularly among left-wing voters who feel betrayed. The New Popular Front coalition, which secured the most seats in the snap election, expressed disappointment as Barnier's party, the Republicans, only came in fourth.
Baptiste Colin, a theatre producer from Lyon who supported the left-wing coalition, voiced frustration: "We thought the left won, but it’s not the left that gets to represent the prime minister."
The recent elections did not yield an absolute majority for any party, complicating Macron's choice. With his own coalition, Ensemble, receiving only 20% of the vote and coming in second, Macron faced constraints. According to Philippe Marliere, a professor of French and European politics at University College London, Macron's choice of Barnier is seen as a compromise. "It means that Macron will cohabitate with a conservative prime minister," Marliere said.
Typically, the prime minister is chosen from the party with the most electoral strength. Barnier’s appointment is unusual as he comes from the fourth-place party in terms of seats. Macron's choice appears to shift his administration to the right compared to the previous government under Attal.
Barnier, known for his hardline conservative stances, has previously opposed progressive policies, including same-sex marriage and non-European immigration. His selection is viewed as a strategic move to build a coalition with right-wing parties and ensure stable governance.
Macron’s choice also reflects a desire to avoid the instability that a left-wing prime minister might bring, given the fragmented parliamentary results. Barnier, who has extensive experience as a negotiator with the European Union and served as the chief Brexit negotiator, is expected to form a unity government.
At 73, Barnier is set to become the oldest prime minister in modern French history. His appointment marks a stark contrast to the more progressive image of France showcased during the recent Paris Olympics. Diane de Vignemont, a French journalist, noted the shift, stating, "We’ve gone from a gay prime minister to a very conservative one."
With Macron's decision, analysts suggest that the far-right National Rally gains indirect influence, despite their defeat in July’s elections. "It’s a paradox that the party that was defeated is now in a position to dictate terms," Marliere remarked.
The appointment of Barnier ends the longest period without an active government in the Fifth Republic's history, which lasted 66 days following Attal’s resignation. Colin fears that the electorate may not respond strongly against the far right as they did in the elections.
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