France's Macron Weighs Barnier Option in Drawn-Out Search for Prime Minister

Macron Faces Pressure to Appoint New PM Amidst Political Turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron is considering appointing Michel Barnier, the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator, as his new prime minister, according to sources close to the president. The move comes after Macron's previous prime minister, Édouard Philippe, resigned last week, citing differences over the government's direction. Barnier, a veteran politician and respected figure in both France and Europe, is seen as a potential compromise candidate who could help Macron navigate the country's current political turmoil. Macron's party, La République En Marche (LREM), lost its parliamentary majority in June's legislative elections, and the president is now seeking to form a new government with the support of other parties.

Barnier's Extensive Experience and Diplomatic Skills

Barnier, 70, has a long and distinguished career in politics and diplomacy. He served as France's foreign minister from 2007 to 2009 and as the EU's commissioner for internal market and services from 2010 to 2014. In 2016, he was appointed as the EU's chief negotiator for Brexit, a role he held until the UK's departure from the bloc in 2020. Barnier is widely respected for his diplomatic skills, his ability to negotiate complex agreements, and his deep understanding of European affairs. He is also seen as a moderate and pragmatic politician who could help Macron build consensus and bridge the divisions within the French parliament.

Macron's Search for a New Prime Minister

Macron has been under pressure to appoint a new prime minister quickly, as the country faces a number of challenges, including rising inflation, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The president had initially hoped to form a government with the support of the left-wing Socialist Party (PS) and the Greens, but those talks collapsed earlier this week. With the PS and Greens out of the picture, Macron is now looking to other parties, such as the centrist MoDem and the conservative Les Républicains (LR), for support. Barnier is a member of LR, which could make him an attractive candidate for Macron as he seeks to broaden his political base.

Uncertain Future for Macron's Government

However, appointing Barnier as prime minister could also be a risky move for Macron. Barnier is a polarizing figure in French politics, and his appointment could alienate some voters. Additionally, there is no guarantee that Barnier will be able to secure the support of other parties in parliament, which could make it difficult for Macron to pass legislation and implement his agenda. The future of Macron's government remains uncertain, as the president continues to weigh his options. The appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister would be a significant development, but it is unclear whether it would be enough to resolve the country's political crisis.