Emmanuel Macron, alongside Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, and Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024. The Olympic flame burned one last time before being extinguished for the main games, while Zaho de Sagazan sang “Hope blooms under the Paris sky” during the closing ceremony of the Games in the Tuileries Gardens. Macron, who had just returned from Fort de Brégançon, praised the French people for their enthusiasm and emotions during the event, emphasizing the spirit of overcoming challenges and rejecting defeatism.
The end of the Olympic Games marks the end of a period of unity and celebration for both France and the world, as well as the conclusion of the “Olympic truce” declared by President Macron on July 23. Following the legislative elections that saw the ruling majority lose 73 seats, Macron must appoint a prime minister to form a new government. Speculation surrounds potential candidates for the position, including Xavier Bertrand, Michel Barnier, Bernard Cazeneuve, and Jean-Louis Borloo, with Macron conducting consultations and keeping his intentions close to his chest.
There is uncertainty over the timing of the government’s formation, with some urging a swift decision to tackle pressing issues such as the budget and France’s plan to address its deficit as outlined by the European Commission. The need to present a medium-term plan by September 20, along with finalizing the budget by October, requires prompt action from the new administration. However, concerns for proper deliberation on programmatic objectives and political alignments suggest that more time may be needed before a decision is made.
Despite the urgency of forming a new government, some within the political sphere believe that more time is needed to ensure that all parties and groups are in alignment with the government’s vision and objectives. A former minister emphasized the importance of focusing on the “why” of government policies rather than just the “who” aspect, suggesting that a rushed decision may not lead to effective governance. Macron, who has showcased his support for French athletes during the Games, may be taking a cautious approach in finalizing his government team.
As Macron navigates the post-Olympics landscape and prepares for the next phase of governance, the challenges ahead require a delicate balance of political leadership and strategic planning. The momentum of the Olympic Games, which brought people together in a spirit of competition and unity, now gives way to the complexities of governing a nation facing economic and political challenges. Macron’s leadership in this critical period will set the tone for his presidency and the future of France on the global stage.
