Macron Names Ex-Presidential Contender as New Prime Minister
Veteran centrist Francois Bayrou has been nominated as the third premier this year in response to France's political turmoil. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Francois Bayrou has been appointed as the third prime minister of France this year, amid ongoing political challenges in the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Bayrou's appointment on Friday following a “tense” two-hour meeting with him, according to PMG. At 73, Bayrou, a veteran centrist and former presidential candidate, will attempt to navigate France’s political and financial difficulties.
“The president of the Republic has appointed Mr Francois Bayrou as prime minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the French presidency stated.
Bayrou steps in after Michel Barnier, who served just over three months, resigned on December 5 after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament.
Barnier left office following difficulties in passing a revised 2025 budget plan, which he believed was necessary due to the country’s budget deficit projected at 6.1% of economic output this year—double the European Union's permissible limit.
Prior to Barnier, Gabriel Attal had served as prime minister since January but resigned in July after a snap parliamentary election led to a hung parliament with three rival factions.
The call for a snap election came in June after Macron's Renaissance party faced a significant defeat from the right-wing opposition National Rally in the European parliamentary elections.
The resulting confirmation of the left-wing New Popular Front coalition as the largest party in the parliament emerged from a pact designed to marginalize the RN. However, Macron subsequently opted for a minority government that depended on the implicit support of the RN, bypassing the NPF.
According to Reuters, Bayrou, a longstanding ally of Macron, will likely confront similar legislative obstacles as Barnier amidst the hung parliament. His close association with the often-unpopular Macron may also create challenges for him.
Macron's presidency runs until 2027, with some critics calling for his resignation, a demand he has dismissed.
Bayrou founded the Democratic Movement party, part of Macron’s governing coalition since 2017. He previously ran for president in 2002, 2007, and 2012, and held the position of education minister from 1993 to 1997.
In 2017, Macron named Bayrou as justice minister, but he resigned shortly thereafter due to an investigation into the fraudulent employment of parliamentary aides by his party. He was cleared of fraud charges in February.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Bayrou's appointment on Friday following a “tense” two-hour meeting with him, according to PMG. At 73, Bayrou, a veteran centrist and former presidential candidate, will attempt to navigate France’s political and financial difficulties.
“The president of the Republic has appointed Mr Francois Bayrou as prime minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the French presidency stated.
Bayrou steps in after Michel Barnier, who served just over three months, resigned on December 5 after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament.
Barnier left office following difficulties in passing a revised 2025 budget plan, which he believed was necessary due to the country’s budget deficit projected at 6.1% of economic output this year—double the European Union's permissible limit.
Prior to Barnier, Gabriel Attal had served as prime minister since January but resigned in July after a snap parliamentary election led to a hung parliament with three rival factions.
The call for a snap election came in June after Macron's Renaissance party faced a significant defeat from the right-wing opposition National Rally in the European parliamentary elections.
The resulting confirmation of the left-wing New Popular Front coalition as the largest party in the parliament emerged from a pact designed to marginalize the RN. However, Macron subsequently opted for a minority government that depended on the implicit support of the RN, bypassing the NPF.
According to Reuters, Bayrou, a longstanding ally of Macron, will likely confront similar legislative obstacles as Barnier amidst the hung parliament. His close association with the often-unpopular Macron may also create challenges for him.
Macron's presidency runs until 2027, with some critics calling for his resignation, a demand he has dismissed.
Bayrou founded the Democratic Movement party, part of Macron’s governing coalition since 2017. He previously ran for president in 2002, 2007, and 2012, and held the position of education minister from 1993 to 1997.
In 2017, Macron named Bayrou as justice minister, but he resigned shortly thereafter due to an investigation into the fraudulent employment of parliamentary aides by his party. He was cleared of fraud charges in February.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
