President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stabilize France’s government by appointing a new prime minister within days following the resignation of Michel Barnier. The shakeup comes after Barnier’s government was ousted in a no-confidence vote, the first such action since 1962.
Macron blamed the crisis on political gamesmanship from both far-left and far-right factions, accusing them of prioritizing chaos over governance. In a televised address, he called on lawmakers to rise above partisan divisions and work for the French people.
“The extreme right and the extreme left united together in an anti-Republican front,” Macron said, singling out Marine Le Pen’s National Rally for its role in the turmoil.
Le Pen dismissed Macron’s remarks, reaffirming her party’s opposition to a left-leaning prime minister. She warned against attempts to exclude her faction from parliamentary influence, further complicating Macron’s efforts to build consensus.
Barnier, appointed in September, will serve in a caretaker role until a successor is chosen. However, Macron faces a divided legislature, making it difficult to find a candidate acceptable to all sides.
With a looming December 21 budget deadline, Macron must also address the risk of a fiscal crisis. A temporary continuity law could keep the government functioning but would limit spending to current levels.
Macron’s handling of this crisis will determine whether he can reclaim authority in the final years of his presidency or if political divisions will continue to erode his influence.
