Macron names Michel Barnier as France’s next prime minister. What happens next?
After more than 50 days of deliberation, Emmanuel Macron has named Michel Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, as France’s next prime minister. The long wait has delivered a prime minister who will not be immediately vetoed by the Assemblée nationale but will struggle to restore stability to government. Barnier’s appointment merely opens the door to further political chaos, which began when Macron called early elections in July.
Can France’s next prime minister bring a steady hand?
On paper, Barnier’s profile makes him a solid pick. He has a reputation as an adept negotiator and his centre-right positioning roughly reflects the political balance in the Assemblée nationale. He has been critical of Macron in the past, which will help him rebuff accusations that he is at the president’s beck and call. Politically, however, Macron’s choice pours oil on a fire of his own making.
Many will feel that he has ignored the people’s demand for change. He has picked a prime minister who is conveniently aligned with what he considers his key legacy: the highly unpopular increase in retirement age that both the left and far-right have campaigned against. The political destiny of Barnier’s government will also depend on the co-operation of Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National, which Macron had cast as an extremist bogeyman not to be negotiated with. Now Macron has given Le Pen leverage over the new government. There will be outrage on the streets, cries of a “stolen election” and further polarisation – all of which will make the consensus needed to pass crucial legislation, including the budget, more difficult. Governing France today makes Brexit negotiations look like a stroll in the Luxembourg Gardens. Let’s hope Barnier has a good pair of walking shoes.
Simon Bouvier is Monocle’s Paris bureau chief. For more opinion, analysis and insight, subscribe to Monocle today.
