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Macron to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Political Crisis After Barnier’s Ouster

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to name a new prime minister in the coming days following the resignation of Michel Barnier after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The unprecedented move, which saw Barnier ousted just three months into his tenure, highlights the political deadlock in France’s parliament, where left, center, and far-right blocs are deeply divided. Macron criticized opposition parties for forming an “anti-republican front” but vowed to remain in office until the end of his mandate in 2027.

Talks are underway with political leaders to form a new government, with the Socialist Party showing openness to a fixed-term administration while rejecting the continuation of “Macronism.” The no-confidence vote against Barnier was triggered by his use of special powers to push through a budget, a decision that united the far-right National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front. Macron acknowledged public criticism over his earlier decision to call snap elections, which led to the current parliamentary impasse.

The political uncertainty looms as France prepares for the high-profile reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral this weekend, a milestone marking its reconstruction after the devastating 2019 fire. Macron cited the event, along with the successful hosting of the 2024 Olympics, as symbols of France’s resilience. Speculation is rife over who will take the reins as prime minister, with Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and centrist François Bayrou among the potential candidates.

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Macron Rejects NFP’s Leadership Bid, Calls for Cooperation Amid Political Gridlock

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French President Emmanuel Macron has firmly rejected the possibility of forming a government led by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), which emerged as the largest party in last month’s legislative elections. Macron emphasized that France requires institutional stability and expressed doubts about the NFP’s ability to secure a confidence vote in Parliament. The NFP, which has proposed civil servant Lucie Castets as its prime ministerial candidate, responded by calling for street protests and Macron’s impeachment.

In the fragmented political landscape, no single group has achieved a majority, with the NFP securing over 190 seats, Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance 160 seats, and the far-right National Rally (RN) 140 seats. As a result, France has been led by a caretaker government during the Paris Olympics. Macron has indicated his intention to continue consultations with party leaders to resolve the impasse, urging the left to collaborate with other political forces.

The NFP’s reaction has been notably severe, with accusations of an “anti-democratic coup” and warnings of a “serious crisis” from its leaders. Despite the pressure, Macron has not mentioned the hard-left France Unbowed movement (LFI), a significant component of the NFP. The NFP’s call for Castets to be considered for prime minister remains unfulfilled, as Macron and other political figures, including RN leaders and potential candidates like Bernard Cazeneuve and Xavier Bertrand, navigate the complex political scenario.

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Lobster Dinner for King Charles Costs France €450,000

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A lavish lobster dinner for King Charles cost the French president’s office €475,000 (£400,000), according to a report from the country’s audit office. During President Emmanuel Macron’s September visit, guests enjoyed a menu featuring blue lobster, crab, and a variety of cheeses.

The Cour des Comptes, in its annual financial report, highlighted that increased spending on state receptions had left their budget €8.3 million in deficit. It emphasized the need for the Elysée to make “significant efforts” to restore financial balance.

Out of the total dinner cost, more than €165,000 was allocated to catering, with an additional €40,000 spent on drinks. The star-studded guest list included actor Hugh Grant, football manager Arsène Wenger, and Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, who were served blue lobster and crab, followed by Bresse poultry with mushroom gratin. A cheese course featured French Comté and British Stichelton blue, and dessert included a rose macaroon cookie filled with rose petal cream, raspberries, and lychees.

This extravagant banquet at the Palace of Versailles was part of King Charles’ three-day state visit to France, intended to strengthen the alliance between the two nations. Originally scheduled for March, the visit was delayed due to widespread protests over pension reforms.

The report also noted a July 2023 banquet for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre, which cost €412,000. As a result of the increased spending, including state receptions, overall expenditures rose by 14% compared to the previous year, while revenue for the presidency increased by only 6.5%.

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Macron Delays New Government Appointment Until After Paris Olympics

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will postpone naming a new government until after the Paris Olympics conclude on August 11. This decision follows a proposal from the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition that emerged as the largest group in France’s parliament after recent elections. The NFP has put forward Lucie Castets, a relatively unknown civil servant, as their candidate for prime minister.

Macron stated that appointing a new prime minister before mid-August would “create disorder” amid the ongoing Olympics, which start with an opening ceremony in central Paris on Friday. The left-wing coalition has criticized Macron’s delay, accusing him of undermining the outcome of the recent legislative elections.

Macron had previously accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal due to significant losses for their centrist party in the elections. Attal and his team are continuing in a caretaker role until a new government is formed.

In France, the president is expected to appoint a prime minister who can secure a majority in the National Assembly. Currently, no single party holds a majority, but the NFP, with at least 182 of 577 seats, is in a strong position. The NFP’s choice, Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist with a background in finance and public services rather than politics, was presented just before Macron’s scheduled television interview.

Macron emphasized that the key issue is not the specific nominee but the formation of a majority in the Assembly. He plans to appoint a prime minister with the widest possible support. The delay has provoked a strong reaction from NFP members, who accuse Macron of attempting to disregard the results of the elections and deny the will of the people.

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French Prime Minister’s Last-Ditch Effort to Prevent Far-Right Triumph

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France’s fast-paced election campaign has concluded, and despite last-minute pleas against supporting the far-right, voters seem poised to deliver a historic win for the National Rally (RN) party in parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has cautioned that this could lead to increased hate and aggression. Nonetheless, the party led by Marine Le Pen and the 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, who could potentially become the next prime minister, is leading in the opinion polls.

The National Rally has managed to maintain its position despite numerous accusations of racism involving both party members and supporters. The critical question now is whether they can secure an absolute majority in the two rounds of voting over the next two Sundays.

RN is preparing for a significant outcome, with polls showing 36.5% support just before the campaign ended. Their candidates aim to win many seats in the National Assembly outright, but most will be decided in run-off votes on July 7, involving two to four contenders.

A newly formed left-wing alliance, the New Popular Front, is close behind RN with 29% support, while the Ensemble alliance, led by Gabriel Attal, is at 20.5%. Attal describes both RN and the New Popular Front as extreme.

No region of mainland France supported RN more than L’Aisne in the European vote, with over 50% backing. This area already has RN MPs and a National Rally mayor, Franck Briffaut, who sees victory as inevitable, likening it to Giorgia Meloni’s win in Italy.

Briffaut and others in his party aim for an absolute majority in the National Assembly, needing at least 289 of the 577 seats. However, President Macron, who will appoint the next prime minister, has indicated he will remain in office until his term ends in 2027.

Jordan Bardella is pushing for an absolute majority and has hinted at a “government of national unity.” He has suggested including former conservative leader Eric Ciotti, despite his alienation from most colleagues. This raises questions about potential power-sharing with President Macron, which could lead to a difficult political landscape.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has warned of possible unrest from both the ultra-left and ultra-right following the elections. In the northern town of Soissons, which has an RN MP, locals remain skeptical of RN’s impact, despite the party’s rebranding efforts.

RN’s platform includes “National priority,” which limits social welfare to French citizens, alongside tax cuts and restrictions on strategic jobs for dual nationals. This has raised concerns among some, especially in diverse communities.

The outcome of this election could significantly impact French politics, with the possibility of RN gaining substantial influence in the National Assembly.

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Macron’s Election Gamble: The Fate of French Democracy at Stake

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Two neighboring countries are approaching unexpected elections, with both governments expected to fall. Political tensions have strained relationships among families and friends. Despite significant issues in the UK election, the stakes are higher in France, where not just a government or leader is at risk, but the political system itself. Unlike the UK, which is at the end of a political cycle and where calling an early election was rational for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, France faces uncertainty.

President Macron called a snap election after a significant defeat by the far right in the European parliament elections. His aim was to regain a centrist majority in the National Assembly, but polls indicate the far-right National Rally (RN) remains ahead, with a left-wing alliance, led by France Unbowed (LFI), potentially coming second. The likely outcomes are either an RN majority or a hung parliament, both of which pose significant risks: a sovereign debt crisis, street violence, and institutional collapse.

Veteran commentator Nicolas Baverez points out that France’s Fifth Republic was designed to handle crises, but the current instability and the president’s own confusion could lead to a breakdown of institutions. Across France, there is an awareness of the country’s precarious situation.

Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old RN leader, could become the next Prime Minister, adding to the political tension. Macron’s invocation of potential “civil war” and his attempt to use fear to drive voters towards the center is seen as dangerous and could incite hate and violence. The government is preparing for possible violent protests during the election rounds on June 30 and July 7. The far-left LFI’s support base in immigrant-heavy areas and its stance on Gaza further complicate matters.

Political instability could also affect the upcoming Olympic Games, which begin shortly after the election. Baverez draws a parallel between France’s current situation and the populist moments in the US and UK a decade ago, suggesting that France’s institutions and the euro previously shielded it from such upheaval. However, with the traditional method of managing social peace through public debt no longer viable, France now faces its own populist challenge.

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Macron condemns antisemitism after Jewish girl is raped

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French President Emmanuel Macron has raised serious concerns about the growing threat of antisemitism in schools after a 12-year-old Jewish girl was raped in what police have classified as a hate crime. According to French media, the girl reported being in a park in Courbevoie, north-west of Paris, with a friend last Saturday when three boys, two aged 13 and one aged 12, approached her. She knew at least one of them. The boys dragged her to an isolated location, where they hurled antisemitic abuse at her and raped her.

The boys were arrested on Monday, and two of them were charged with gang rape, antisemitic insults and violence, and issuing death threats. One of the attackers reportedly threatened to kill the girl if she went to the police. In response to the attack, people took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against antisemitism, carrying banners with messages such as “It could have been your sister.”

Macron addressed the attack during a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday. He asked the Minister of Education, Nicole Belloubet, to ensure that schools hold discussions on racism and antisemitism in the coming days to prevent “hateful speech with serious consequences” from “infiltrating” classrooms. Belloubet later condemned the crime on social media, stating that “every part of this crime is revolting.” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal called the attack “absolutely despicable, unbearable, and unspeakable,” noting that antisemitism has been on the rise in France since October 7.

Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia expressed horror at the incident and called for the perpetrators to be firmly punished. He emphasized that no one can be excused from the current surge in antisemitism. A January 2024 report by the Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) highlighted a 284% increase in antisemitic acts between 2022 and 2023, with nearly 13% occurring in schools. The report noted a significant spike in such incidents following the October 7 Hamas attacks against communities in Israel.

The attack and the rise in antisemitism come amid a heated election campaign in France, after President Macron called a snap parliamentary election two weeks ago. Politicians from various parties quickly condemned the incident and vowed to combat antisemitism.

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Italy’s Meloni basks in G7 limelight with Western leaders

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Two contrasting accommodation options were presented for the G7 summit in Puglia, Italy: the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort, known for hosting celebrities like Madonna and the Beckhams, and a deteriorating ship moored off Brindisi for the 2,600 police officers, criticized for its appalling conditions. The resort houses world leaders, while the ship, costing the Italian government €6m and now under fraud investigation, exemplifies the disparity in treatment.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, buoyed by her party’s success in the European elections, hosts the summit, highlighting Italy’s newfound political stability compared to other G7 nations facing political turmoil. Meloni’s government is portrayed as the strongest amidst leaders like Biden, Sunak, and Trudeau, who are struggling domestically.

Low expectations surround the summit due to the precarious political climate in many G7 countries. However, a significant plan to loan Ukraine $50bn from frozen Russian assets is anticipated. Additionally, Sunak will announce substantial support for Ukraine’s energy and humanitarian needs.

Sessions will address the climate crisis, investment in Africa, the Middle East ceasefire, and AI regulation, with Pope Francis attending for the first time. Efforts to broaden global consensus include inviting leaders from Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria. Locals in Puglia, like ice-cream maker Vincenzo Iannacone, express pride and excitement for the summit, hoping it brings positive attention to their region.

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Macron Calls Snap Election After Far-Right EU Defeat

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France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap parliamentary election after a significant defeat by the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, in the European elections. This unexpected move came as exit polls indicated that the National Rally secured over 30% of the vote, double that of Macron’s centrist Renaissance party. While France’s far-right victory was notable, the broader European election narrative saw the centre-right parties strengthening their hold on the EU Parliament, achieving successes in countries like Germany, Greece, Poland, and Spain.

Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission and a prominent figure in the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), highlighted that despite gains by both far-left and far-right factions, the centre-right remained a stabilizing force. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EPP’s commitment to alliances only with the Socialists & Democrats and the liberal Renew group, excluding any collaboration with far-right groups.

Germany’s elections saw the conservative CDU come out on top, whereas Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD experienced its worst-ever European election result, finishing behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy continued their dominance, while in Austria, the Freedom Party was poised for an unprecedented victory in the European vote.

Elsewhere, Hungary witnessed a new challenge to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s dominance with the rise of Peter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party. Spain’s centre-right Popular Party narrowly defeated the Socialists, while far-right Vox came in third. In Denmark, the opposition Green-Left party achieved a surprise victory, and in Slovakia, the liberal Progressive Slovakia party triumphed over the ruling Smer party.

Overall, while the far-right made notable gains in specific countries, particularly France, their surge was less pronounced across Europe than anticipated. The centre-right’s consolidation of power, however, underscores a continuing preference for more moderate political forces in the EU.

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Giorgia Meloni Opens Up as Italy Votes in EU Elections

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Italians have begun voting on the third of four days of European elections taking place across 27 EU nations. Although these votes are for the next European Parliament, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hopes the outcome will strengthen her position in Italian politics. She has even encouraged voters to “just write Giorgia” on their ballots.

Most EU countries are voting on Sunday after several weeks of turmoil during which two European leaders and other politicians were physically attacked. On Friday evening, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was assaulted in the street in Copenhagen ahead of Sunday’s Danish vote. She sustained minor whiplash, according to her office, and a suspect has been detained.

European leaders have expressed their shock at the latest attack amid elections involving around 373 million European voters. Last month, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survived an assassination attempt and was only recently discharged from the hospital. Several German politicians have also been targeted.

While these elections are intended to be separate from national politics, the reality is often different, especially in Italy. Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI), was appointed prime minister in 2022. She has taken the unusual step of putting her name at the top of her party’s ballot, despite having no plans to take a seat in the European Parliament.

Since becoming prime minister in 2022, Meloni has enjoyed steady poll ratings, helped by a fragmented centrist and left-wing opposition and the decline of her junior coalition partner, Matteo Salvini’s League party. To counter this trend, Salvini has shifted his party’s rhetoric further to the right. The League’s election posters, which criticize EU-backed initiatives like electric cars and tethered caps on plastic bottles, have drawn both ridicule and attention.

Salvini’s lead candidate, Roberto Vannacci, has also drawn attention. The army general, dismissed after self-publishing a book with homophobic and racist views, has doubled down on these views since becoming a League candidate. His messages are frequently amplified by the media, which could translate into votes for the League. If not, Salvini’s leadership could be in jeopardy.

Similarly, the left-wing Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein must match the 19% vote share from the 2019 elections to maintain her position. Further to the left, Ilaria Salis, a self-described antifascist activist detained in Hungary since 2023, is running on the Left/Greens platform.

These European elections hold significant importance. While the Netherlands voted on Thursday, with exit polls suggesting a tight race between a left-green alliance and Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party, other countries like Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, and Malta are voting across the weekend. Germany is voting on Sunday, with the center-right CDU/CSU expected to surpass Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party is competing for second place with the Socialist party, trailing Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). Macron, warning of the threat to Europe from the surge of the right, has called for a high turnout. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, recovering from surgery after an assassination attempt, has recently criticized Slovakia’s liberal opposition. Hungary’s Viktor Orban, opposing EU support for Ukraine, warned that Europe is nearing a point of no return in preventing conflict from spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Italy’s polls will be the last to close at 23:00 (21:00 GMT) on Sunday, with initial projections combining provisional results and estimates expected shortly after.

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