In a significant political development, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist politician François Bayrou as the country’s new prime minister, tasking him with forming a government amidst a challenging political landscape. The announcement was made by the Élysée Palace on Friday.
Bayrou, 73, is the head of the Democratic Movement (MoDem) party, which is allied with Macron’s Renaissance party. His appointment comes nine days after former Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government was ousted by parliament in a historic no-confidence vote, highlighting the current political turbulence in France.
A veteran politician, Bayrou founded MoDem in 2007 and has previously run for president three times—in 2002, 2007, and 2012. His experience and centrist stance are seen as crucial in bridging the divides within the French political spectrum.
Following the announcement, reactions from other political parties were swift. Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally party, told French news channel BFMTV that while his party would not immediately censure Bayrou, they expect him to acknowledge the lack of a clear majority in the National Assembly. Bardella emphasized the need for dialogue with all parliamentary forces.
Meanwhile, the hard-left party La France Insoumise (LFI) announced plans to launch a no-confidence vote against Bayrou’s appointment. LFI has consistently argued that the role of prime minister should go to a representative from the alliance of left-wing parties, which secured the most seats in this year’s snap legislative elections.
Addressing the press on Friday afternoon, Bayrou underscored the necessity for national reconciliation. “Everyone understands the difficulty of the task,” he stated. “There is a path to be found that unites people instead of dividing them.”
During the formal transfer of power ceremony at Matignon, the official residence of the French prime minister, Bayrou acknowledged the gravity of France’s political situation. His appointment marks a pivotal moment as he seeks to navigate the complexities of French politics and foster unity among diverse political factions.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
