French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou, a veteran centrist ally, as prime minister on Friday, marking France’s fourth premiership of 2024 amid ongoing political turbulence that has rattled European markets and governance.
Bayrou, 73, the founder of the Democratic Movement (MoDem) party and a three-time presidential candidate, faces immediate challenges in navigating a divided parliament and addressing urgent fiscal matters. His primary task involves securing passage of a special law to extend the 2024 budget, followed by the contentious 2025 budget negotiations that led to his predecessor Michel Barnier’s downfall.
The appointment comes as France confronts its second major political crisis in six months, with Macron seeking to stabilize his government until at least July, when new parliamentary elections become constitutionally possible. The National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, has indicated it will not immediately pursue a no-confidence motion against the new government.
Bayrou’s selection follows extensive consultations by Macron with political leaders across the spectrum, excluding the far-right National Rally and hard-left France Unbowed. The potential inclusion of the Socialist Party in a coalition has raised concerns about additional budget demands.
The new prime minister’s background includes serving briefly as justice minister in 2017 before resigning amid a parliamentary assistants investigation, though he was cleared of fraud charges this year. His rural credentials as mayor of Pau could prove valuable in building broader political support.
Financial markets have responded to the political uncertainty, with French borrowing costs rising amid concerns over the country’s 6% deficit and the government’s ability to implement fiscal reforms in a fragmented National Assembly.
REUTERS
