He is due to remain in power until 2027. Macron has lost his grip on the international stage, she said. “He no longer has any influence in the European Union, and has been humiliated in the worst possible way by his ‘creature,’ [European Commission President Ursula] von der Leyen.” In early December, the EU signed … Read more
Macron, who has made himself a reputation for taking time to make decisions, didn’t like Bayrou’s comment and, in response, urged the prime minister to send his list of ministers by Tuesday night. Macron is “awaiting the proposals” of the prime minister after he concludes talks with parliamentary leaders Tuesday, an adviser to the French … Read more
Like Barnier, Bayrou lacks majority support in France’s fragmented legislature. His challenge is to persuade enough parties to refrain from backing no-confidence motions in the name of stability, offering certain concessions in return. “As a matter of principle, he would like to have regular appointments with political parties,” Le Pen said. “I think that method … Read more
Only, some in the boat are baling and paddling more vigorously than others. As Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau told a radio interviewer recently, France is alone in not having made the reforms that many of its neighbors (“even the Italians!”) have made since the last crisis. And, while political will at … Read more
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron has picked François Bayrou to be France’s prime minister, the Elysée said in a statement. Bayrou will replace Michel Barnier, whose government was toppled last week after trying to pass a slimmed-down social security budget to rein in France’s massive deficit. Macron had told lawmakers in a meeting on Tuesday … Read more
In a bid to ensure the next head of government lasts longer than Barnier, Macron has tried to seek a compromise with opposition forces in France’s fractured legislature. The leading candidates mentioned in French media both come from Macron’s camp — former Industry Minister Roland Lescure and centrist grandee François Bayrou. It isn’t clear, however, … Read more
PARIS — Marine Le Pen has always walked a tightrope between being the outsider, intent on taking a wrecking ball to the French establishment, and cultivating a more mainstream image to win sufficiently broad support in the hope of one day becoming president. The political crisis that has gripped France has brought that stark choice … Read more
Macron is expected to name a new premier by the end of the day Thursday to replace Barnier. Several names have been floated in the French press, but the leading rumor suggests he may appoint one of his earliest supporters, centrist François Bayrou. However, representatives from different left-wing parties have already made clear that they … Read more
The far right took a different approach. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella accused Macron of ignoring the millions of people who voted for his party by excluding it from the meeting. Retaining control With some of the most radical forces removed from the negotiation table, Macron’s hopes lie in convincing the remaining parties to refrain … Read more
French President Emmanuel Macron promised to quickly name a replacement, and could do so as early as Wednesday, according to a presidential adviser who spoke to POLITICO on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to be named. Several names have circulated in French media in recent days, including centrist Macron ally François … Read more
