Can Macron’s new PM unite France’s moderates? Marine Le Pen looms if he fails | Paul Taylor

François Bayrou faces the same budgetary headache as Michel Barnier – but the parliamentary equation has changed

The latest attempt to resolve France’s political and financial crisis might be dubbed “back to the future”.

The new prime minister, François Bayrou, was minister of education when Emmanuel Macron was still a schoolboy. The 73-year-old centrist, whom the president reluctantly appointed on Friday after days of closed-door wrangling after the fall of Michel Barnier’s short-lived government, was a vital ally and consigliere to the young Macron when he dynamited France’s political system in 2017 to win the presidency at the tender age of 39.

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No-one gets France's difficulty more than me, says Macron's new PM Bayrou

France's fourth prime minister this year says he fully understands the "Himalayan" task ahead.
BBC News - 3d
In France, Marine Le Pen Takes Aim at the Top

After helping to oust the prime minister last week, the far-right leader has made clear her next target is President Emmanuel Macron.
The New York Times - 6d
Compromise is a dirty word in French politics – but it may be Emmanuel Macron’s only hope | Paul Taylor

The president needs to find a new PM to stabilise France’s standing on the world stage, even if that means turning to the Socialists . Having failed to solve France’s political crisis with a prime ...
The Guardian - Dec. 6
Emmanuel Macron vows to name new French PM within days

Macron rejected calls to resign, a day after his prime minister was ousted in a no-confidence vote.
BBC News - Dec. 6
Le Pen’s show of force puts France on notice

Far-right standard bearer gambled that shaping events would convince voters her party was ready for power
Financial Times - Dec. 6
Emmanuel Macron Says He Won’t Resign France’s Presidency

A day after his chosen prime minister was forced to resign, President Emmanuel Macron denounced his political opponents.
The New York Times - Dec. 5
Marine Le Pen Is Holding France Hostage

The government’s fall shows the strength of the far right.
The New York Times - Dec. 5
Emmanuel Macron to address French nation as pressure grows to name new PM

Michel Barnier resigns as prime minister but will stay on in caretaker role until new government is appointment. The French president Emmanuel Macron has held meetings with parliament and senate ...
The Guardian - Dec. 5
Moment of big opportunity and high risk for Marine Le Pen

Backing the collapse of Michel Barnier's French government is a high-stakes gamble for the far right leader.
BBC News - Dec. 4