France: Centrist François Bayrou Appointed Prime Minister

By Laurent Geslin

(EurActiv) — French President Emmanuel Macron appointed the fourth prime minister of 2024 on Friday (13 December), handing seasoned centrist François Bayrou the challenge of navigating an increasingly divided National Assembly.

A true veteran of French politics and a longtime Macron ally, Bayrou, 73, was chosen to succeed the short-lived Michel Barnier, who was ousted by a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly on 4 December.

The appointment of Bayrou, leader of the Democratic Movement (MoDem), marks a clear departure from the “new world” Macron had aspired to represent during his initial 2017 campaign. His primary mission will be to avoid another no-confidence motion.”The President of the Republic has appointed Mr François Bayrou as Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the Élysée announced in a brief statement issued shortly before 1pm on Friday.

Bayrou brings extensive political experience, dating back to the early 1980s. His career has included 19 years as a member of the National Assembly, service as minister of education, and time in the European Parliament.

A three-time presidential candidate (2002, 2007 and 2012), Bayrou was also an early supporter of Macron, although he sometimes allowed himself to criticise him.

“François Bayrou has the necessary qualities; he is pragmatic and has a clear vision,” a MoDem deputy told Euractiv on Thursday. MoDem has been advocating for a “national unity government” since the summer, calling for the inclusion of all centrist movements, including the Socialist Party (PS).

Jean-Noël Barrot, minister for Europe and foreign affairs and a fellow MoDem member, immediately praised the appointment. “Warm congratulations to François Bayrou on his nomination as Prime Minister. Those who have shared his battles know he will address the country’s deep needs for reconciliation and unity,” he said.

However, Socialist leaders have insisted that the new prime minister should come from the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition hastily formed before the summer legislative elections. On Thursday, Boris Vallaud, leader of the PS group in the National Assembly, warned that appointing a figure from Macron’s camp, such as Bayrou, “would risk exacerbating the political and institutional crisis he created.”

This did not stop the Socialists from asking Bayrou in a letter to renounce Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows laws to be passed without the support of Parliament, in exchange for non-censorship, specifying that they would remain in opposition.

Bayrou’s appointment appears to be an attempt by Macron to fracture the left-wing coalition and isolate La France Insoumise (LFI). LFI has already announced it will support any future no-confidence motions against the government.

“We want a change in policy,” stated Fabien Roussel, first secretary of the Communist Party (PC), shortly after the announcement, adding on the contrary that he was “ready to engage in dialogue” with the new prime minister.

On the political right, Les Républicains (LR) have pledged to avoid bringing down the government unless it includes LFI ministers or implements NFP policies. Despite past grievances with Bayrou, stemming from his endorsement of François Hollande over Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012, LR is expected to offer conditional support.Meanwhile, Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally (RN), commented that Bayrou “must understand he lacks both democratic legitimacy and a parliamentary majority.” However, RN leaders might view his appointment favourably, given Bayrou’s recent legal vindication in February 2024 over allegations similar to those facing RN regarding the misuse of European Parliament funds.

Bayrou has also expressed concerns about democratic fairness, opposing any immediate enforcement of Marine Le Pen’s potential five-year ineligibility, should she be convicted in the RN embezzelment trial. Preventing Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential race, he argued, could “bias democratic life” and alienate voters.

Floated as a potential leader for some months, Bayrou recently expressed his willingness to serve, hinting at his ambitions. Following a meeting between Macron and party representatives (excluding LFI and RN) on 10 December, Bayrou proposed a “democratic cooperation agreement” and suggested delaying contentious issues like pension reform and immigration.

The immediate challenge for Bayrou will be drafting a budget for 2025. A “special law,” presented to the cabinet on Wednesday, will be debated next week in the National Assembly to ensure the continuation of public services, provisional tax collection, and expenditure rollovers from 2024. However, longer-term solutions to reduce the public deficit – expected to exceed 6% of GDP in 2024 – will likely require either tax hikes or spending cuts.

Bayrou’s appointment, like that of his predecessor Michel Barnier, is likely to be well-received in Brussels. Known for his pro-European stance, Bayrou has consistently supported EU institutions and policies.

“Congratulations, François Bayrou on your appointment as Prime Minister of France. Europe has always been close to your heart. Let’s all work together for a stronger, more competitive Europe that has the means to defend itself”, reactedthe President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.