François Bayrou's Consultations: A New Approach to Governance
In an effort to navigate the complexities of a budget without a parliamentary majority, François Bayrou commenced consultations at the National Assembly. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, was among the first to meet with Bayrou, expressing her approval of his approach, which she described as a "more positive method" compared to that of his predecessor, Michel Barnier. Le Pen emphasized the importance of proportional representation, a key demand from her party, and indicated that she had shared her reservations about certain potential government appointees with the Prime Minister.
Socialist Leaders Seek Clarity Amidst Uncertainty
On the left, the response from socialist leaders was less enthusiastic. Olivier Faure, the First Secretary of the Socialist Party, described their meeting with Bayrou as leaving them "hungry" for more concrete information regarding the government's direction. Faure highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of how the government plans to operate, particularly in relation to a proposed non-censorship pact that would allow the government to avoid censure in exchange for not invoking Article 49.3 to pass legislation without a vote. He noted that discussions were ongoing, but no agreements had been reached.
Managing Crisis and Forming a New Government
In parallel to the political consultations, Bayrou is also facing a significant crisis following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, where hundreds are feared dead. This tragedy adds urgency to his role as the new head of government, as he aims to establish a streamlined cabinet by Christmas. Bayrou's focus appears to be on minimizing distractions from current affairs to build a capable team that can effectively address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the French government.
