Macron’s new PM Bayrou faces Budget battle with fractious French Parliament
Francois Bayrou has been appointed as France’s new Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron amid ongoing political instability. This marks Bayrou’s entry into a challenging role following the resignation of Michel Barnier, who was ousted after a no-confidence vote just three months into his tenure.
Bayrou, a veteran centrist politician and founder of the Democratic Movement party (MoDem), is tasked with navigating a fractious parliament and addressing France’s significant budget deficit, which is projected to exceed 6% of GDP by year-end.
Budget Management: Bayrou described the task of tackling France’s deficit as a “Himalaya” of challenges, indicating the enormity of the fiscal issues he faces. His immediate priority will be to pass a special law to extend the 2024 budget, with further contentious negotiations anticipated for the 2025 budget early next year.
Political Landscape: The National Assembly is currently fragmented, with no single party holding a majority. This division complicates legislative processes and may hinder Bayrou’s ability to implement necessary reforms. The previous government’s budget proposals were met with resistance from both left-wing and far-right factions, indicating that Bayrou may face similar opposition.
Coalition Dynamics: The Socialists have expressed their refusal to join Bayrou’s coalition, potentially leading to further instability. The pro-Barnier center-right faction remains non-committal, waiting to see Bayrou’s budget proposals before deciding their support.
Bayrou’s appointment comes as Macron seeks to stabilize his administration amid rising economic concerns and political dissatisfaction. The president has already faced significant challenges in maintaining authority, especially following the poor performance of his party in recent elections and the subsequent political deadlock that led to Barnier’s resignation.
As Bayrou prepares to form his cabinet, he must navigate these treacherous waters while attempting to restore confidence in Macron’s leadership and address pressing economic issues
