President Emmanuel Macron is set to announce a new prime minister soon, nearly two months after France’s legislative elections created a political stalemate. The announcement might come as early as Wednesday evening, according to close sources.
Despite the imminent announcement, the identity of the new prime minister remains uncertain. Conservative Xavier Bertrand is considered a leading candidate, but Macron has also been exploring the possibility of bringing back former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve.
In a surprising twist, right-wing Cannes Mayor David Lisnard has emerged as a potential choice. The decision could be unveiled on Wednesday.
According to a Macron ally, the goal is to make the announcement soon, with Bertrand and Cazeneuve still in the mix. Either candidate could face a no-confidence motion from both the left bloc and the far-right National Rally (RN), who strongly oppose Macron’s policies.
Lisnard, however, is seen as a more acceptable choice for the RN, which is now the largest party in parliament following the election.
Bertrand, who served under presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy, has more recently led the Hauts-de-France region, where he has claimed victories against the RN.
Macron’s decision is urgent as he needs to submit a draft 2025 budget for France’s struggling finances before October 1. This move also reflects his effort to address criticism of his seven-year presidency while maintaining key reforms, including the controversial increase in the retirement age.
After losing his parliamentary majority in a snap election on July 7, Macron has delayed appointing a new prime minister longer than any French leader since World War II, extending into the Olympic Games and beyond.
The early summer elections, triggered by a far-right victory over Macron’s party in the June European elections, led to a left-wing coalition becoming the largest political force. However, it lacks a clear majority, leaving Macron’s centrists and the far-right as the other major groups in the National Assembly.
