French President Emmanuel Macron met with former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and the president of the Republicans party in Hauts-de-France, Xavier Bertrand, on September 2, 2024, as he continued to search for a new head of government in the aftermath of recent legislative elections that left the National Assembly without a clear majority. These meetings marked an acceleration of consultations after 55 days of political crisis, with both left and right-leaning politicians being considered for the position.
Bernard Cazeneuve was the first to meet with Macron at 8:45am, followed by discussions with former Presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. In the afternoon, Xavier Bertrand, known for his advocacy of a social right-leaning approach, also met with Macron at the Elysée Palace. According to sources close to the President, a decision on the new head of government could be announced as early as Tuesday, following the start of the school year on Monday.
The potential nomination of Bernard Cazeneuve as Prime Minister has sparked debate within the Socialist Party, with some seeing it as an implicit admission of failure of Macron’s “new world” vision. Other discussions have centered around the idea of changing electoral laws to introduce proportional representation before any future dissolution of the National Assembly. Recent surveys have shown a majority of respondents in favor of Macron’s resignation, reflecting a broader sense of political polarization in the country.
The political landscape in France remains highly complex, with shifting alliances and potential coalition governments being discussed as possible solutions to the lack of a clear majority in the National Assembly. As Macron navigates these challenges, the meetings with Cazeneuve and Bertrand are seen as part of a broader effort to find a way forward and ensure stability in government. The choice of a new Prime Minister will be seen as a crucial step in defining the direction of French politics in the coming years.
Despite the uncertainty and tensions surrounding the formation of a new government, Macron remains focused on addressing key issues facing France, including economic recovery, social welfare, and international relations. The outcome of the consultations with Cazeneuve and Bertrand, as well as other potential candidates, will have far-reaching implications for the future of the country and the success of Macron’s presidency. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Macron’s ability to navigate these challenges will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
