French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to name a new prime minister in the coming days after Michel Barnier resigned following a no-confidence vote in parliament. Barnier’s tenure of just three months makes him the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history.
In a televised address on Thursday, Macron emphasized that the incoming prime minister’s primary task would be securing parliamentary approval for the 2025 budget. He also proposed a temporary measure to extend the 2024 budget by mid-December to avoid any financial disruptions, with a comprehensive budget to be presented early next year to account for inflation.
Macron attributed the government’s collapse to an “anti-republican front” formed by far-right and far-left parties, accusing them of fostering political instability. Despite criticism, Macron rejected calls for his resignation, reaffirming his commitment to completing his term, which ends in May 2027.
“The mandate you have given me is for five years, and I will fulfill it until the very end,” Macron stated during his 10-minute speech.
Macron did not reveal a successor during his address, and the announcement is now expected early next week. Barnier’s successor will face significant challenges in navigating a divided National Assembly, with no guarantees of a longer tenure.
Since Macron took office in 2017, each successive prime minister has served for a shorter period than the last. Barnier’s replacement will be Macron’s sixth prime minister, underscoring the challenges of maintaining political stability in his administration.
Speculation is rife about who will succeed Barnier, with four prominent names emerging as likely contenders. All of them were previously considered for the role before Barnier’s appointment.
1. Sebastien Lecornu
Lecornu, 38, is a steadfast Macron loyalist who currently serves as defense minister. Known for his low-profile approach, he has played a key role in coordinating France’s support for Ukraine. Reports suggest Macron considered Lecornu but faced resistance from some quarters, citing his perceived right-wing stance.
2. Francois Bayrou
A veteran politician and leader of the MoDem party, Bayrou, 73, has been a key ally of Macron since 2017. Recently acquitted in a long-running fraud case, Bayrou’s potential return to government is seen as a possibility, given his political experience and loyalty.
3. Xavier Bertrand
Bertrand, 59, is a former labor and health minister under presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. Currently the head of the Hauts-de-France region, he is a seasoned media performer and has ties to Sarkozy, who still wields influence in right-wing politics.
4. Bernard Cazeneuve
A former Socialist Party member, Cazeneuve, 61, briefly served as prime minister under President Francois Hollande. Known for his tenure as interior minister during the 2015 Paris attacks, Cazeneuve left the Socialist Party in 2022 over its alliance with the far-left. His experience could make him a strong candidate.
Macron’s next choice for prime minister will signal his strategy to address the ongoing political crisis. Whether he opts for a loyalist or seeks a broader coalition, the decision will shape the remainder of his presidency.
The incoming government is expected to represent a mix of political forces or, at the very least, secure a commitment from opposition parties to avoid further no-confidence votes.
