President Macron Appoints François Bayrou As France’s Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has named François Bayrou, leader of the centrist MoDem party, as France’s new prime minister, in a strategic move to stabilize the nation’s volatile political landscape.

Bayrou, 73, a seasoned politician and mayor from southwestern France, acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for unity: “I think reconciliation is necessary.” His appointment follows the turbulent tenure of Michel Barnier, ousted by parliament just nine days ago after only three months in office.

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Macron, halfway through his second term, has now appointed four prime ministers in 2023 alone, underscoring the political deadlock that has gripped France since the snap parliamentary elections this summer. A recent BFMTV poll revealed that 61% of French citizens are concerned about the nation’s political instability.

Bayrou is seen as a potential unifier with his moderate stance and cross-party relationships. His task will be to build a government capable of avoiding the fate of his predecessor, whose proposed €60 billion in tax increases and spending cuts were overwhelmingly rejected by a coalition of far-left, left-wing, and far-right MPs.

Although Bayrou’s nomination received praise from Macron’s allies, opposition voices remained critical. Socialist leader Olivier Faure stated his party would stay in opposition, saying Bayrou’s selection signalled Macron’s unwillingness to bridge political divides. Far-left France Unbowed leader Manuel Bompard dismissed the appointment as a “pathetic spectacle,” while regional Socialist leader Carole Dega likened the entire process to a “bad movie.”

Bayrou’s appointment reportedly followed tense discussions at the Elysée Palace, with Le Monde suggesting Macron initially preferred another candidate, Roland Lescure, but shifted to Bayrou after MoDem threatened to withdraw its support.

Bayrou will need to form a government that can withstand parliamentary scrutiny. Macron has initiated talks with key political leaders across the spectrum, excluding Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s far-left France Unbowed and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. The president aims to create a coalition or pact to avoid future no-confidence votes.

BBC correspondent Hugh Schofield noted Bayrou’s ability to build bridges with both left and right, a crucial skill for leading a minority government. However, France Unbowed MPs have already signalled plans to propose another no-confidence motion against the new government.

Bayrou’s immediate challenge will be navigating the passage of the 2024 budget extension and laying the groundwork for the 2025 fiscal year, all while reducing the budget deficit, projected to hit 6.1% of GDP this year.

The snap parliamentary elections earlier this year, triggered by Macron’s poor showing in the European elections, resulted in a fragmented parliament with three large blocs: left, centre, and far-right. The previous government under Barnier depended on Le Pen’s National Rally for survival—a situation Macron is keen to avoid replicating.

Outgoing prime minister Michel Barnier wished his successor well, describing the situation as “a serious period for France and Europe.”