French President Emmanuel Macron has named Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as prime minister in a bid to end a political stalemate that has mired the nation since early July.
Macron charged Barnier with forming a government on Thursday, according to an announcement shared by the Elysee Palace. The 73-year-old conservative must now face a no-confidence vote in the lower house of parliament before assuming governance.
The announcement hopes to end a weeks-long political standoff and resolve a hung parliament that emerged after the surprise victory of the five-party left-wing New Popular Front coalition in the run-off vote of July 7. Macron's centrist "Together" bloc came in second in the election, with the far-right Rassemblement National coming in third.
None of the factions achieved the 289 seats needed to clinch an absolute majority, plunging France into the stewardship of a caretaker government during the highly-mediatized summer stretch when the nation hosted the heavily attended Olympics Games.
Macron accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on July 16, following the electoral results.
Barnier is no stranger to domestic French leadership and has previously served in four cabinet positions, including as minister of the environment, minister of state for European Affairs, minister of foreign affairs and minister of agriculture and fisheries. He received two appointments in the European Commission and acted as the bloc's chief negotiator in protracted talks to shape the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union.
The Path Forward
Barnier's appointment is a significant development in French politics. He will face a number of challenges in the months ahead, including the need to form a stable government, pass a budget, and address a number of pressing issues, including inflation, economic growth, and the need to meet European Union-mandated fiscal mandates.
Barnier's success will depend on his ability to build a coalition of support in the National Assembly. He will need to secure the support of both the centrist and conservative blocs, as well as the tacit support of the far-right National Rally. The National Rally has indicated that it will not immediately vote to oust Barnier, but it could still pose a challenge to his government.
Reactions to Barnier's Appointment
The reaction to Barnier's appointment has been mixed. Some have welcomed his appointment, seeing him as a seasoned politician who can provide stability in a time of uncertainty. Others have expressed concern, arguing that his appointment represents a shift to the right and could lead to a more divided political landscape. The left-wing New Popular Front coalition has been particularly critical of the appointment, arguing that it is a denial of democracy and a sign of Macron's unwillingness to compromise.
Barnier's Background
Barnier is a veteran of French and European politics, having served in a number of senior roles, including as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator. He is known for his tough negotiating style and his commitment to European integration. He is also a staunch defender of French sovereignty, having called for a moratorium on immigration and argued that France should not be subject to the judgments of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. His stance on these issues has drawn criticism from some quarters, but his experience and his political connections make him a strong candidate for the prime ministership.
What Lies Ahead
The coming months will be a crucial period for Barnier and France. He will need to demonstrate his ability to unite the country and build a stable government. He will also need to address a number of pressing challenges, including inflation, economic growth, and the need to meet European Union-mandated fiscal mandates. If he can successfully navigate these challenges, he will have a chance to leave a lasting mark on French politics. However, if he fails, the country could be plunged back into political instability.
