Michel Barnier descends into the arena. The new Prime Minister is expected at the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 1, to present his roadmap during the traditional general policy declaration, of which he has so far delivered nothing. The balance point is difficult to find for this head of government without a majority, between the contradictory demands of his allies and an ultra-tight budget. Follow our live stream.
Absence of vote of confidence. Almost a month after his appointment, the Prime Minister is expected before the deputies at 3 p.m. The government’s number two, Minister of Justice Didier Migaud, will read the general policy declaration to senators at the same time. Michel Barnier will not seek a vote of confidence from deputies, like his predecessors Elisabeth Borne and Gabriel Attal, deprived like him of an absolute majority.
Narrow room for maneuver. Michel Barnier should speak for around an hour, according to those around him, and insist on two demands, “financial debt and ecological debt”. For the Prime Minister, in addition to the absence of a majority is added an explosive financial situation, with a spiraling public deficit which will force the government to slash spending.
First hiccups. To prepare his roadmap, the head of government organized a government seminar, which aimed above all to develop team spirit after several hiccups between his ministers. Barely appointed, the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau engaged in a standoff with the Minister of Justice Didier Migaud. During the weekend, France’s top cop lit a new fire by speaking out on security and immigration. The rule of law “is not intangible, not sacred”he said.