France’s Political Impasse Set to End as Macron Prepares to Name New Prime Minister
French President Emmanuel Macron is on the cusp of announcing a new prime minister, almost two months after legislative elections left the country in political deadlock. Sources close to Macron indicate that the announcement could come as early as Wednesday evening, but the identity of the new head of government remains unclear.
Conservative former minister Xavier Bertrand is currently the favorite to take the position, but Macron has also been considering a return to office for former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve. In a surprise twist, right-wing mayor of Cannes David Lisnard has also emerged as a contender.
According to a source close to Macron, the objective is to appoint a prime minister who can navigate the complex political landscape and secure the necessary support to govern. Bertrand and Cazeneuve are both expected to face a no-confidence motion, which could garner support from both the left and the far-right National Rally (RN).
Lisnard, however, is seen as a more palatable figure for the RN, which has emerged as the single largest party in parliament. Bertrand has a strong track record of holding back the RN’s advance, having served as minister under conservative presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Macron’s decision comes as the country faces a deadline to submit a draft 2025 government budget before October 1. The move is also seen as an attempt to acknowledge the rejection of his seven-year rule without giving up on hard-fought reforms, including last year’s increase to the official retirement age.
The political stalemate has been ongoing since a snap election deprived Macron of his relative majority in parliament on July 7. The centrist president has since drawn out the appointment of a new prime minister, a move unprecedented since World War II.
The situation is further complicated by the emergence of a left-wing coalition as the biggest political force, but with nowhere near enough seats for an overall majority. Macron’s centrist faction and the far right make up the two other major groups in the National Assembly.
The wait for the announcement is almost over, and the world will be watching to see which direction France takes next.
