Macron's speech reflects a deepening political crisis in France, highlighting the challenges of governance amid a fragmented National Assembly.
The alliance of the extreme left and right poses a significant threat to Macron's administration, complicating efforts to form a stable government.
Public dissatisfaction with Macron's leadership is evident, suggesting potential challenges in upcoming elections.
The appointment of a new prime minister may lead to temporary stability, but long-term governance challenges are likely to persist.
Increased pressure from opposition parties could lead to further political instability, potentially resulting in early elections.
Public sentiment may continue to influence the political landscape, with Macron needing to address citizens' concerns to regain support.
Emmanuel Macron Addresses Nation Following Michel Barnier's Resignation
In a highly anticipated speech, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on December 5, 2024, following the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who was ousted by a motion of censure in the National Assembly. This marked a significant moment in French politics, as Macron had not spoken to the public for four months. The political landscape has been tumultuous, with public sentiment largely blaming Macron for the ongoing institutional instability in the country. According to a recent Odoxa-Backbone Consulting poll, many citizens feel disconnected from the government's decisions, particularly regarding the controversial dissolution of the National Assembly on June 9, which led to a fragmented lower house.
During his address, Macron acknowledged that the decision to dissolve the Assembly was “not understood” by the public, despite being deemed “inevitable.” He criticized the alliance between the extreme left and extreme right, labeling it an “anti-republican front” that contributed to Barnier's downfall. Macron emphasized that he would not resign despite calls from some officials for him to do so, stating, “My responsibility requires ensuring the continuity of the state.”
Future Government and Legislative Challenges
Looking ahead, Macron announced plans to appoint a new prime minister within days, who will be tasked with forming a government that represents all political forces. This comes at a critical time as the future of the 2025 budget remains uncertain after the rejection of the Social Security financing bill. To address this, Macron revealed that a special finance law would be submitted to Parliament before mid-December to ensure the continuity of public services.
The political uncertainty surrounding the new government is palpable, with several names being floated as potential successors to Barnier. Among them are Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and François Bayrou, head of the MoDem party. However, the ability of any new government to maintain stability remains in question, as opposition parties, particularly on the left, have expressed reluctance to support a Macronist government. The coming days will be crucial as Macron navigates these challenges and seeks to restore confidence in his administration.
