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Bayrou’s leadership is being welcomed by some, as he is viewed as a potential consensus builder. In his first comments after being appointed, Bayrou acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasized the need for reconciliation in a time of division. His primary goal will be to form a government that can overcome the political gridlock that has gripped France since Macron called for snap parliamentary elections earlier in the year. The elections, triggered after poor results in the European elections, resulted in a fragmented parliament with three major political blocs: the left, the center, and the far right. This fragmentation has left the government struggling to maintain control.
Bayrou’s appointment marks a significant moment in Macron's second term as president, with Bayrou becoming the fourth prime minister in just a few months. Macron’s decision to choose Bayrou followed the recent ousting of Barnier, the former Brexit negotiator, who was removed after just nine days in office. Barnier’s government was rejected by the French parliament, as left-wing and far-right MPs, including those from Marine Le Pen's National Rally, joined forces in opposition. Barnier’s plans for tax hikes and spending cuts to address France’s growing budget deficit were unpopular and played a key role in his downfall.
Despite the praise from some of his allies, Bayrou’s appointment has not been universally well-received. The Socialist party, led by Olivier Faure, has expressed willingness to discuss with Bayrou but made it clear that they would not participate in his government, particularly because Macron’s choice was from the centrist camp. Carole Delga, the Socialist regional leader, criticized the process, calling it a “bad movie,” while Manuel Bompard, leader of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI), described the political scene as a “pathetic spectacle.” Bayrou's challenge will be to unite a fragmented political landscape and find common ground between opposing factions.
Macron had been expected to announce Bayrou's appointment on Thursday but delayed the decision until Friday. Reports suggested that Macron had initially preferred Roland Lescure for the role but switched to Bayrou after the latter threatened to withdraw his party’s support. This delay and the behind-the-scenes negotiations underscore the political tensions surrounding the appointment. Bayrou, who arrived at the prime minister's residence at Hôtel Matignon with a red carpet rolled out in his honor, now faces the task of stabilizing the government.
One of the key challenges Bayrou will face is forming a government that can command a majority in the National Assembly. His predecessor, Barnier, was unable to secure enough support for his budget proposals, leading to his removal from office. Bayrou’s government will have to navigate contentious issues such as budget management and tax reforms. The far-left LFI has already threatened to file a vote of no confidence, a move that could destabilize Bayrou’s tenure. Macron is hoping Bayrou can prevent the collapse of his government, which would require building bridges across political divides.
Bayrou’s position as a centrist gives him the advantage of being able to communicate with both the left and the right, a crucial skill in France’s divided political climate. However, there are still significant obstacles. Some centre-left parties, including the Socialists, Greens, and Communists, have expressed disappointment with Macron’s choice, as they had hoped for a prime minister from the left. At the same time, right-wing figures, such as National Rally MP Sébastien Chenu, have indicated that they may support Bayrou if his policies align with their concerns on issues like immigration and cost of living.
As Bayrou prepares to take office, the future of the French government remains uncertain. His ability to navigate the complexities of coalition-building, address the economic challenges facing the country, and maintain political stability will determine whether he can secure the success of Macron’s second term.
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