It is “unprecedented under the Fifth Republic” to wait so long before appointing a Prime Minister, says historian Jean Garrigues.

For historian Jean Garrigues, “it is in the interest of the President of the Republic that this period lasts as long as possible, to try to restore his popularity.”

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Historian Jean Garrigues, guest of 8:30 a.m. franceinfo, August 15, 2024. (FRANCEINFO / RADIO FRANCE)

Waiting so long between legislative elections and the appointment of a Prime Minister “is unprecedented under the Fifth Republic“, Jean Garrigues said on franceinfo on Thursday August 15, while the period of “political truce” desired by Emmanuel Macron during the Olympic Games continues with the commemorations of the Landing in Provence.

“It is in the interest of the President of the Republic that this period lasts as long as possible, to try to restore his popularity and legitimize the political choices he is making.”analyzes the historian.

The historian recalls that“There were forms of palinodes (“changes of attitude” editor’s note) of this type under the Third or Fourth Republic, where someone was appointed, but ultimately gave up”. “It has already happened in our history, but for so long, we have never experienced it”he insists.

He does not speak of“instability”because “You have a government that ensures the smooth running of business in a transitional manner”. However, he plans “a cultural revolution to come”because “the institutions of the Fifth Republic are designed to have a strong presidential majority”and that “this majority no longer exists”. “We must find solutions to adapt the Fifth Republic to the new political field divided into three, or even four forces”he said, recalling that the Republicans are the first parliamentary group taking into account the Assembly and the Senate.


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