Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, representatives of the RN, received at the Elysée by Emmanuel Macron during his consultations for the appointment of a new prime minister, in Paris, August 26, 2024. JULIEN MUGUET FOR LE MONDE Emmanuel Macron faced a political crisis by dissolving the Assemblée Nationale and seeking a new prime minister, ultimately choosing Michel Barnier over Bernard Cazeneuve. This decision received support from Marine Le Pen, who highlighted Barnier’s respect for various political forces. The appointment aimed to secure government stability amidst party tensions, with the Rassemblement National offering cautious approval. ‘The least worst solution’ Concerns…

Two months after the left-wing Nouveau Front Populaire alliance won France’s parliamentary elections, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, a former European commissioner, as prime minister. This decision followed a period of hesitation by Macron, who asked Barnier to form a unifying government. Barnier’s profile is seen as less divisive and more consensual, making him a suitable choice amidst political uncertainty. The other finalists, Cazeneuve and Bertrand, were eliminated due to various reasons, leaving Barnier as the preferred candidate. With no presidential ambitions, Barnier’s appointment raises questions about potential opposition from far-right parties, with reactions within the RN party being…

Emmanuel Macron and members of Gabriel Attal’s resigned government attend the July 14 military parade in Paris, July 14, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI/MYOP FOR LE MONDE Emmanuel Macron is navigating political waters in France as he searches for a prime minister, leaving out key alliances. The recent rejection of Lucie Castets as a candidate for PM raises questions of constitutional interpretation and political strategy. Benjamin Morel, a political scientist, sheds light on the situation, emphasizing the role of the president and parliamentary dynamics in government formation. Is Emmanuel Macron’s decision aligned with constitutional principles? The ambiguity of Article 5 of the…

The president of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the resigning prime minister, Gabriel Attal, in Paris, August 25, 2024. TERESA SUAREZ / AP Emmanuel Macron’s political maneuvering and alliances are put to the test as he navigates the complexities of forming a new government in France. When faced with the prospect of appointing a left-wing prime minister, Macron is met with resistance from various political factions, including the conservative Les Républicains and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Mélenchon’s nod to the Front Populaire Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s suggestion of non-participation disrupts Macron’s plans, highlighting the underlying tensions between different political ideologies and…

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal leaves the Renaissance group meeting at the National Assembly, Paris, July 9, 2024. JULIEN MUGUET FOR LE MONDE The upcoming Bastille Day parade in France is set to take place on Avenue Foch instead of the traditional Champs-Elysées due to the Olympic Games. Despite the defeat in legislative elections, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s government is still holding onto power. President Emmanuel Macron has chosen to maintain the government’s full capabilities and responsibilities, allowing them to continue governing even without a majority in the National Assembly. The administrative machinery is running smoothly post-election, with the government able…

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal sitting next to centrist MoDem party leader François Bayrou, at Emmanuel Macron’s press conference following his decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale, in Paris, June 12, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI /MYOP FOR LE MONDE France is facing the possibility of a “rainbow” government as election tensions rise. With the far-right threatening to seize power, the need for a coalition government led by centrist Emmanuel Macron has become a topic of discussion. The far-right Rassemblement National party’s demand for an absolute majority complicates the situation, prompting discussions among various political factions on how to prevent a potential crisis.…

The president Emmanuel Macron prepares to vote in the first round of the legislative elections, in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, on June 30, 2024. YARA NARDI / AFP Emmanuel Macron hosted a meeting with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal the day after disappointing results in the parliamentary elections. Despite far-right advances, Macron remained composed while ministers were visibly emotional. Calls for a united front against the far right were met with differing opinions within Macron’s coalition. Read more French elections: How many candidates have withdrawn from the second round? Internal divisions emerged regarding support for specific candidates in the second round. Some ministers…

Emmanuel Macron speaks to the press following his decision on June 9, 2024, to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale after the results of the European elections. Paris, June 12, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI / MYOP FOR LE MONDE Will Emmanuel Macron be standing alongside a prime minister from the ranks of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) as he presides over his eighth Bastille Day ceremony on July 14? As the RN party gains momentum, Macron faces the possibility of cohabitation with a prime minister opposing him. Macron believes that sharing power with the far-right will prevent them from gaining full control in…

During President Emmanuel Macron’s press conference in Paris on June 12, 2024. LAURENCE GEAI /MYOP FOR LE MONDE President Emmanuel Macron held a press conference in Paris to defend his decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale. He cited the need to address public “anger” and the upcoming budget vote as factors in his decision. Macron announced that he will not personally campaign in the upcoming elections, delegating the task to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. He criticized opposition figures for their “personal ambitions” in light of the dissolution. The ‘battle of values’ Macron launched a “battle of values” against both far-right…

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, is making waves in the media ahead of the June 9 European elections, as his coalition trails behind the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party in the polls. Macron has been actively participating in ceremonies and events, warning against the rise of the far right in Europe, especially during the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Macron’s strategy includes highlighting the conflict in Ukraine as a key issue in the election campaign. He has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to ceremonies and signed agreements worth €650 million in loans and grants for Ukraine. Macron…