French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist leader Francois Bayrou as the new Prime Minister, aiming to stabilize the government following a no-confidence vote that ousted Michel Barnier’s administration.
The announcement was made after Bayrou met Macron for a two-hour discussion at the Elysee Palace on Friday. Bayrou, 73, heads the MoDem party, which is aligned with Macron’s La République En Marche.
The appointment comes during a time of political deadlock, as Macron grapples with a deeply divided parliament. Last summer’s snap elections left no party or coalition with a clear majority, complicating the formation of a stable government.
The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), now the largest bloc in the National Assembly, has openly opposed Macron’s choices and demanded the Prime Minister be selected from their ranks.
“The President of the Republic has appointed Mr. Francois Bayrou as Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the presidency confirmed in a statement.
Bayrou faces immediate challenges, including assembling a cabinet that can survive parliament’s no-confidence votes and drafting a 2025 budget to address France’s ongoing economic struggles. His predecessor, Barnier, lasted just three months, making him France’s shortest-serving Prime Minister.
The far-right, led by Marine Le Pen, has also played a pivotal role in the political crisis, supporting the vote that toppled Barnier. Public opinion shows frustration with the ongoing turmoil, with many calling for a resolution to prevent further instability.
