Uncertainty surrounds the formation of the new government, with Prime Minister François Bayrou engaging in discussions with President Macron. A two-step appointment process may be implemented, revealing full ministers by Christmas, while delegated positions could be postponed until early 2025. Challenges arise from the Socialist Party’s refusal to join and Republicans’ indecision. Bayrou aims for a balanced cabinet, but concerns about potential censure loom as time progresses, compounded by Macron’s busy travel schedule.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future Government Composition
The question on everyone’s lips remains: when will we finally learn about the structure of the upcoming government? Even Prime Minister François Bayrou may not have a clear answer. After two discussions with the President of the Republic regarding the ‘architecture’ of the new government, Bayrou is set to return to the Élysée for further talks. Will we see names announced by Wednesday evening? This morning, MoDem deputy leader Marc Fesneau hinted at ‘very advanced exchanges’ concerning the government lineup, though he refrained from committing to any specific timeline for its announcement.
Speculations of a Two-Step Appointment
According to reports from the National Assembly, the Prime Minister might be considering a two-step appointment process. It’s anticipated that the full ministers could be unveiled before Christmas or perhaps even by the end of the week, allowing them to hit the ground running. Meanwhile, the appointments of delegated ministers and secretaries of state may be delayed until early 2025.
Fesneau reiterated the determination of both the President and the Prime Minister to establish a team ‘before Christmas’, referencing the prolonged wait experienced during Gabriel Attal’s government, which was resigned for two months. He emphasized the necessity for ministries to be staffed before Christmas, enabling a smoother transition into the new year.
François Bayrou and Emmanuel Macron aim to create a streamlined cabinet, ideally comprising around 25 ministers. They intend to build upon the foundation established during Michel Barnier’s tenure, which included Macronist deputies and allies from the Republicans. Fesneau mentioned the possibility of expanding the team with additional personalities while avoiding the pitfalls of poaching talent from other parties, suggesting openings for individuals from the left as well. Bayrou envisions a balanced composition: one-third from the right, one-third from the ‘central bloc’, and one-third from the left.
However, achieving this balance remains a challenge. The Socialist Party has firmly declined any participation in a government led by Bayrou, and the Republicans are still undecided, citing insufficient assurances regarding the government’s direction. Resigning Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, expressed concerns on Wednesday that the conditions for his continued involvement are not currently met. He articulated that his party would evaluate any potential changes in the coming days, while cautioning against a left-leaning government in a predominantly right-leaning France.
Moreover, the President’s busy schedule may further delay the government formation. Bayrou indicated that finalizing the cabinet by week’s end requires the President’s presence, yet Emmanuel Macron will be occupied with travels to Brussels, Mayotte, Djibouti, and Ethiopia until Sunday.
As time progresses, the specter of censure looms larger, particularly if Bayrou continues to encounter difficulties, such as his quick trip to Pau to oversee a municipal council meeting. The National Rally has voiced concerns that if Bayrou replicates Michel Barnier’s budgeting missteps, he could face censure. Additionally, both the Communist Party and the Ecologists, who were once open to negotiation with the Prime Minister, now believe that each passing day further solidifies Bayrou’s path toward censure.