French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to appoint a new prime minister within days following the resignation of Michel Barnier after a historic no-confidence vote. The political crisis has left Macron grappling with a divided parliament and calls for his own resignation.
In a televised address, Macron lashed out at both the far-left and far-right, accusing them of undermining the government. “The extreme right and the extreme left united together in an anti-Republican front,” Macron said, specifically targeting Marine Le Pen’s National Rally for contributing to the chaos.
Le Pen, however, rejected Macron’s claims and vowed to oppose any left-wing appointment as prime minister. “We have not changed our minds,” Le Pen told French media.
Barnier, who had been tasked with bridging the divide in parliament, will remain in a caretaker capacity until Macron’s next pick is approved. Yet, the fractured legislature makes it unlikely that any choice will satisfy all factions.
Complicating matters further is the December 21 deadline to pass a national budget. Without an agreement, the government may resort to a fiscal continuity law, temporarily capping spending at current levels.
Macron’s leadership has faced increasing challenges since a contentious snap election earlier this year. His ability to navigate this crisis will shape the remainder of his presidency and his legacy in French politics.
