French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister on Thursday, following a political crisis triggered by Michel Barnier’s removal as premier.
The PUNCH reports that the nomination is likely to occur “when Macron returns” from a day-long visit to Poland, according to a government source on Wednesday.
Macron had pledged on Tuesday to name a new government chief “within 48 hours,” after last week’s historic no-confidence vote ousted Barnier’s government.
Macron is under significant pressure to form a broad political alliance that can withstand a no-confidence vote and pass next year’s budget. Despite his efforts to sway left-wing parties, they insist the new prime minister should come from their ranks.
The country’s hung parliament, which is divided between Macron’s centrists, left-wing parties, conservatives, and the far-right National Rally (RN), requires cooperation between opposing factions for a stable government.
Several candidates have been suggested, including Macron’s centrist ally, Francois Bayrou, though Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure has opposed his candidacy. Other possible contenders include former foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
At Barnier’s final cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Macron discussed the possibility of a “non-aggression pact” among parties to ensure stability.
A special budget draft law was also presented to the Council of Ministers, with debate scheduled for Monday. Most parties are expected to back it for the sake of stability.
