Macron Winning His Gamble?
September 13, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier as prime minister on September 6, despite lacking a majority in the National Assembly. Barnier, a veteran center-right leader, is expected to build a coalition with Republicains, Centrists, and Socialists to implement modest reforms. His leadership could also gain leniency from Marine Le Pen's far-right RN, especially on issues like immigration and fiscal restraint. Macron’s decision to call a snap election in June was strategic. With a looming political challenge from extreme parties like RN and La France Insoumise (LFI), the early election helped clarify the political landscape. It led to the formation of the left-leaning coalition Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP), and exposed the Republicains' need to align with Macron's government. Key challenges for Macron and Barnier include addressing France's fiscal deficit, navigating EU relations, and managing domestic unrest, all while contending with external pressures such as the rise of extremism in Germany and potential global shifts like a second Trump presidency.