Is France finally emerging from the political crisis triggered by last June’s legislative elections? On 5 September, Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier (Les Républicains, conservative) as Prime Minister. This marked the end of several weeks of discussions and consultations, during which the President of the Republic (Renaissance, centre-right) met the candidates for the post. Barnier, a former MP, minister and Brexit negotiator for the European Union, now faces the considerable challenge of forming a government while avoiding a motion of no confidence – and therefore his possible resignation – from a fractured National Assembly (lower chamber).
The choice has provoked a strong reaction from the left. While Barnier is a member of one of the least influential parties in the National Assembly (5.41 percent of the vote, 39 seats out of 577), the left bloc (NFP) came out on top in the election. The left therefore see the appointment of Barnier as a power move on the part of Macron. Some observers also see this as a choice that is “validated” by the far right, which has positioned itself as the only force capable of putting forward an effective motion of no confidence against the new government.
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