Emmanuel Macron to Address French Nation Amid Calls for New PM
The French president Emmanuel Macron is set to address the nation in a televised speech on Thursday evening as pressure mounts for him to appoint a new prime minister following the historic collapse of the French government.
Meetings and Resignation
Before his address, Macron held meetings with parliament and senate leaders, including Michel Barnier, the rightwing prime minister, who resigned after his minority coalition faced a no-confidence vote, the first in over 60 years. Barnier’s resignation was swiftly accepted by the Elysée, which stated that his government would continue to handle day-to-day issues until a new government is formed.
Speculation and Urgency
With the government in turmoil, speculation is rife about who will replace Barnier. Macron had lunch with François Bayrou, a veteran centrist politician and close ally, as discussions around the challenging task of leading a minority government intensify. Yaël Braun-Pivet, the president of the national assembly, emphasized the need for swift action in appointing a new prime minister to navigate through the current political crisis.
Political Fallout and Future
The no-confidence vote, triggered by a left alliance over budget disputes, brought down Barnier’s government with the support of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. The situation has led to calls for Macron’s resignation from some quarters, although he has remained steadfast in rejecting such demands. As France braces for potential strikes and public-sector unrest, there is a growing sense of crisis and instability in the country.
While Macron faces mounting challenges on the domestic front, he is also preparing to host an international event on Saturday with the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, showcasing a delicate balance between governance and diplomacy in the midst of political upheaval.
