New French PM could quit – media

Michel Barnier is negotiating with potential ministers as he struggles to form a coalition government

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier could step down if he cannot form a new government after a meeting with deputies on Thursday, the France Info radio network has reported, citing a member of the right-wing Les Republicains.

Two weeks after being appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, Barnier has thus far failed to form a new administration that can meet the conflicting priorities of a divided lower house of parliament and address France’s widening budget deficit.

“This is the last chance and otherwise, [the prime minister] will resign. He will realize that it will not be possible, that the personal interests of everyone prevent him from forming a government calmly,” the unnamed Les Republicains member told the broadcaster.

According to another source in the party, Macron “is getting involved” in the process.

“He [Macron] plays with fire. If Michel Barnier resigns, he will be on the front line,” the unnamed politician said.

Macron opted for Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, to head the government after two months of political turmoil following snap elections in June and July that saw no party win an outright majority in parliament.

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France’s left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) ultimately won the most seats in the vote, but failed to secure enough to govern. Macron earlier blocked the appointment of the NPF’s chosen prime minister, Lucie Castets, arguing that she would threaten “institutional stability.” 

Barnier’s conservative Les Republicains has few seats in a parliament that is split between three large blocs: the leftist NFP alliance, Macron’s centrists, and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. The premier will have to draw support across party lines to avoid being toppled through no-confidence votes.

Earlier this week, Barnier’s scheduled meeting with former prime minister Gabriel Attal was postponed due to “agenda reasons.” The meeting was reportedly intended to clarify the participation of Macron’s allies in the new government.