Macron's Final Council of Ministers: A Tense Farewell
In a poignant farewell Council of Ministers, President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister Michel Barnier, following the government's recent fall due to a motion of censure. During this meeting, Macron took the opportunity to address the political landscape, particularly the alliance between the New Popular Front (NFP) and the National Rally (RN), which he labeled as an "anti-republican front." He emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that socialist officials would struggle to justify their collaboration with the RN and La France Insoumise (LFI) to their constituents.
Macron's remarks were particularly pointed towards former President François Hollande, who defended his decision to support the censure against Barnier. This public rebuke comes at a time when Macron is seeking to mend relations with the Socialist Party, as indicated by the party's First Secretary, Olivier Faure, who acknowledged the lack of a broader political base at this juncture. Macron's administration is in a precarious position, needing the support of the socialists to navigate the current political turmoil.
Political Maneuvering Ahead of New Prime Minister Appointment
In a separate but related development, Macron convened a meeting with various political leaders, excluding the RN and LFI, to discuss the appointment of a new Prime Minister within 48 hours. While the identity of the new Prime Minister remains undisclosed, Macron emphasized the need for a cooperative approach moving forward. He expressed a desire to avoid reliance on the RN for legislative support and highlighted the importance of stabilizing the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. This strategic meeting aimed to foster a non-censorship agreement among the political forces, focusing on common ground rather than divisive issues. Macron's call for unity reflects the urgent need for political stability in France as the government navigates through challenging times.
