What's happened
President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier as France's new prime minister on September 5, 2024, following a two-month search after inconclusive parliamentary elections. Barnier's task is to form a stable government amid rising political tensions and challenges from both the left and the National Rally.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Economist, Michel Barnier's appointment as prime minister was seen as a necessary step to stabilize the government after a tumultuous period. The publication noted that Barnier's pro-European stance and experience could help in forming a viable government. However, Politico highlighted the challenges ahead, stating that Macron's camp does not emerge stronger and that the left has a narrative to exploit. The article emphasized that Barnier faces significant hurdles in uniting a fragmented political landscape, with rivalries already surfacing among potential ministers. This contrast illustrates the precarious nature of Barnier's position and the broader implications for French politics moving forward.
How we got here
The appointment of Michel Barnier comes after a prolonged period of political uncertainty in France, marked by inconclusive parliamentary elections in July 2024. Macron's previous government faced significant opposition, leading to a search for a consensus candidate.
More on these topics
-
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
-
Michel Bernard Barnier is a French politician serving as the European Commission's Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom since November 2019.
-
Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.