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On Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron remained undecided on his choice for the new prime minister, with Conservative Xavier Bertrand and former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve both considered leading candidates. Analysts also speculated that Michel Barnier, a right-wing politician and the EU's former Brexit negotiator, could emerge as a contender, further deepening the uncertainty.
France continued to wait on Wednesday for the announcement of its new prime minister, nearly two months after legislative elections left the country in a political stalemate. President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to find a candidate acceptable to parliament.
While sources close to the president suggested a decision could be made by Wednesday evening, they later clarified that no announcement would come before Thursday at the earliest.
Former Conservative minister Xavier Bertrand had initially been viewed as the leading contender, but his prospects appeared to diminish throughout the day. Macron has also been gauging support for a potential return of former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. On Wednesday, a new candidate entered the conversation: David Lisnard, the right-wing mayor of Cannes.
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Adding to the uncertainty, late speculation swirled around the possibility of Michel Barnier, the right-wing former EU Brexit negotiator, being called back to frontline politics as the new prime minister.
Barnier has largely remained out of French politics since losing his party’s bid to challenge Macron in the 2022 presidential election.
**‘Anti-Bertrand front’**
Whoever is chosen as premier faces the risk of a no-confidence motion, likely supported by both the left-wing bloc and the far-right National Rally (RN), both staunchly opposed to Macron and his policies.
Xavier Bertrand, a former minister under conservative presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy, had emerged as a key contender. Currently heading the northern Hauts-de-France region, Bertrand highlights his two electoral victories in pushing back the RN. However, parliamentary dynamics seem increasingly unfavorable to him.
A government advisor, speaking anonymously, told AFP there was a “blockage” to Bertrand’s nomination, with another insider stating, “Bertrand is most likely 100 percent out,” citing resistance from centrist Macron supporters who believe he would struggle to gain a majority on key policy issues.
**‘Convert the try’**
Macron’s decision is urgent, with the deadline to submit a draft 2025 budget looming on October 1. The choice of a new prime minister is also seen as Macron's effort to adapt to growing dissatisfaction with his leadership, without abandoning key reforms like last year’s controversial retirement age increase from 62 to 64.
Since losing his parliamentary majority after the July 7 snap election, Macron has delayed naming a new prime minister for an unprecedented duration, extending even through the July-August Olympic Games.
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