Emmanuel Macron has appointed François Bayrou as France’s new Prime Minister following Michel Barnier’s censure on December 4. This decision, made after consultations with some political factions, has faced backlash from La France Insoumise party members, who criticize it as undemocratic. Bayrou now must build a government that can withstand potential censure motions. Amidst these developments, Macron cut short a trip to Poland to prioritize the appointment while also participating in a ceremony honoring IOC President Thomas Bach.
Emmanuel Macron’s Strategic Choice for Prime Minister
President Emmanuel Macron has made a pivotal decision! Committing to appoint a new Prime Minister within 48 hours, the announcement was finally revealed this Friday around 1 PM: François Bayrou will take on the role of Prime Minister of France. This announcement follows the censure of Michel Barnier’s government on December 4, which was a result of a vote by National Assembly deputies. The censure motion gained momentum after the announcement of the 2025 budget and the invocation of Article 49.3, leading to a coalition of the National Rally and the New Popular Front supporting the initiative.
Political Reactions and Challenges Ahead
This unexpected move has created ripples within the government, especially considering that among the 130 motions filed during the Fifth Republic, only one succeeded back in 1962 under Georges Pompidou’s administration. After Michel Barnier’s resignation, Macron promised on December 11, 2024, to name a new Prime Minister within 48 hours during his visit to Poland. While he slightly exceeded that timeline, François Bayrou, a long-time ally, emerged as the successor to Barnier at Matignon.
The decision, however, has sparked mixed reactions. Although Macron consulted various political parties within the National Assembly, he did not engage with representatives from La France Insoumise or the National Rally. Amidst speculation and names like Bernard Cazeneuve and Roland Lescure being tossed around, it was ultimately Bayrou, the MoDem leader, who was appointed following an extensive 1 hour and 45-minute meeting with the president.
Criticism has arisen from members of the La France Insoumise party, with Manuel Bompard denouncing Bayrou’s appointment as a “new middle finger to democracy.” He hinted at the possibility of future censure motions, echoing sentiments expressed by Mathilde Panot on social media, who stated, “Two choices will be offered to deputies: support for Macron’s rescue or censure. We have made ours.” Bayrou now faces the formidable challenge of establishing a government capable of withstanding potential censure threats from various political factions.
Interestingly, Emmanuel Macron’s activities during the announcement of the new Prime Minister have drawn attention. While the transition of power between Barnier and Bayrou is still unfolding, Macron made the decision to cut his trip to Poland short and cancel a visit to the Museum of the Insurrection to expedite the Prime Ministerial appointment. Notably, during the time of François Bayrou’s appointment, Macron was engaged in a ceremony at the Élysée, where he awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor to Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, in the presence of several dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Barnier and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.