French President Emmanuel Macron has been engaged in meetings with key parliament and senate leaders ahead of a crucial televised address to the nation on Thursday evening. The pressure is mounting on Macron to swiftly appoint a new prime minister following the historic collapse of his government.
Right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier submitted his resignation after his minority coalition was toppled by a no-confidence vote, marking the first such vote in over 60 years. Barnier’s resignation, just three months after taking office, has plunged France into political turmoil. The Élysée Palace confirmed that Barnier’s resignation had been accepted, and his government will remain in charge of day-to-day affairs until a new government is appointed.
Amid this uncertainty, Emmanuel Macron met with François Bayrou, a close ally and veteran centrist politician, fueling speculation about potential candidates to replace Barnier. The task of leading a minority government in a deeply divided parliament now falls to a new leader, and Macron’s speech tonight is expected to address the nation’s political crisis.
Political Turmoil and Calls for Change
The no-confidence vote, which took place on December 4, 2024, sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, spoke on TF1 television, accusing Macron of being largely responsible for the political crisis and promising to intensify the pressure on him. Le Pen, who supported the motion, emphasized the need to protect the French people from a “toxic” budget.
The vote marked the first successful no-confidence motion since 1962, during Georges Pompidou’s government under President Charles de Gaulle. Following the vote, Mathilde Panot, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, called for early presidential elections, citing the growing political instability.
Laurent Wauquiez, head of the right-wing deputies in parliament, criticized both the far-right and hard-left for contributing to the instability that could hurt the country’s future.
Who Will Replace Barnier?
As speculation grows about Emmanuel Macron‘s next move, there are several potential candidates for the role of prime minister. The defense minister, Sébastien Lecornu, and Macron’s centrist ally François Bayrou are among the frontrunners. On the left, former Socialist PM and interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve is also being considered.
Barnier’s resignation marks the fifth time a prime minister has resigned under Macron’s leadership since 2017, with each administration serving shorter terms. Given the turbulence in French politics, the new prime minister will likely face immense challenges and may not remain in office for long.
A Crisis Deepens
As France enters a period of uncertainty, markets are growing increasingly nervous, and unions have called for public-sector strikes in response to proposed cost-cutting measures. These strikes, set to disrupt schools, air traffic, and rail services, have only deepened the sense of crisis surrounding Emmanuel Macron’s presidency.
While unions and opposition parties intensify their calls for change, Macron has rejected demands for his resignation. His term, which runs until 2027, continues to face immense pressure. Additionally, Macron is scheduled to host a major international event on Saturday, marking the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire, with prominent guests including Donald Trump.
As Macron navigates this turbulent moment, his political future remains uncertain, with the country watching closely to see who will step in as the new prime minister and how Emmanuel Macron will address the mounting challenges ahead.
