His stance on immigration could prove critical in securing at least tacit support from the far right in parliament. Barnier is in the right-wing Republicans party and has in the past proposed “putting a stop to non-European immigration for three to five years,” a stance close to Le Pen’s own. “It’s undeniable that Michel Barnier seems … Read more
Both the prime minister and the president of the Republic hold executive power in the French political system. But there is a reason why the names and the faces of French presidents are famous worldwide while the profile of French prime ministers usually doesn’t extend past the country’s borders. The prime minister and his ministers … Read more
“I’m preparing ideas that I will suggest to the French. What I will propose will be massive. The French will decide,” said Philippe, who was France’s prime minister from 2017 to 2020, in an interview with French weekly Le Point. “People often say that when it comes to the presidential election, [candidates] must want it … Read more
Macron on Tuesday held talks with conservative leaders including Senate leader Gérard Larcher and conservative parliamentary leader Laurent Wauquiez, according to several people with knowledge of the talks who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, seemingly solidifying Bertrand’s status as likely nominee. But by Tuesday afternoon, Bertrand was already facing serious … Read more
France has been embroiled in a political crisis since Macron called a snap election on June 9, after his camp lost the European election to Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. On July 7, the left-leaning alliance New Popular Front (NFP) garnered the most seats in the National Assembly, followed by Macron’s centrist alliance and … Read more
On Monday, which happened to be Mélenchon’s birthday, Greens leader Marine Tondelier dismissed the impeachment call and warned against the risk that the left-wing “polyphony should not become a cacophony.” While Socialist leader Olivier Faure also distanced himself from Mélenchon’s impeachment call, some within his party are increasingly warning against the extreme positions of the … Read more
Traffic is back to normal on eastern high-speed lines, it said, adding that customers would be alerted by email or text message if their trains are delayed or cancelled. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said in a post on X that monitoring on SCNF’s lines has “have been strengthened with the support of law enforcement.” “It’s … Read more
But Macron’s decision to postpone appointing a new government further angered his rivals on the left. “Emmanuel Macron is locking everything until mid-August so that he won’t have to admit we arrived first,” left-wing lawmaker Sandrine Rousseau wrote on X. For his part, Macron slammed the far left’s decision to table a bill to repeal … Read more
“When you kick off negotiations, you don’t start by cutting off your finger and offering it on plate, you don’t give in quite so much at the beginning,” said one person familiar with the president’s thinking, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. Choppy waters But while Attal’s move to a top position in parliament … Read more
Mayhem in the presidential camp While centrists did better than expected on Sunday — scoring enough seats to beat the far-right National Rally, which most pollsters had tipped to come in first place — the movement is still bleeding support and membership. Many are questioning whether their future lies within Macron’s party, Renaissance, now that … Read more
