France: Barnier Shows Optimism, but Government Is a Puzzle

The next French government will operate independently of President Emmanuel Macron, but will also continue the policies of the past government. Michel Barnier, France’s new prime minister, is working to form the government, and it won’t be easy, even as the 73-year-old former French minister and former chief EU Brexit negotiator expresses confidence and optimism.

Consultations have begun on the creation of what Barnier called “the union government serving the nation.” Barnier will have to use all of his mediator’s skills to get France out of the serious political crisis and with the parliament without a majority. Obviously, the intention is not to confine himself to his conservative political group, but to include some members of the Macron-led group, as well as representatives of the left: “There is no red line, we have to open the door to all comers,” Barnier explained.

There are two major political hurdles for the 73-year-old politician, appointed prime minister by Macron on September 5: forming a government and then passing reforms and a budget in France, which must cut its deficit under pressure from Brussels.

Meanwhile, the left, which did not endorse the nomination, seeing it as a negation of the election results, is at war and has called demonstrations for the weekend: the Socialist Party, which represents the largest group in the Assembly, spoke of “stolen votes” from the French, and their secretary Olivier Faure explained that no one from his party would enter the government being formed. The most radical left wing, namely Mélenchon’s France Unconquered party, dubbed Barnier’s choice a “coup” and called on the French to protest.

Meanwhile, Barnier clarified that he does not want to repeal the increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64. “We should not question this law, which was passed under very difficult circumstances,” while reaching out to the left, explaining that he wants to promote policies to protect the most vulnerable. The new Prime Minister also talked about immigration: “There is still the feeling that our borders are a sieve and that migration flows are not controlled,” winking at the right-wing and the National Rally (Rassamblement Nationale), which analysts say was fundamental, with his “tacit consent,” for his appointment. The National Rally has already said it does not intend to participate in the government and has threatened to vote against it with its 126 deputies.