Michel Barnier made his first official visit to the Necker Hospital in Paris on September 7, 2024, after his appointment as Prime Minister. Despite the boos directed at the President, Barnier remained composed. The closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games took place on September 8 at the Stade de France, marking the end of the sporting event that had captivated the country since July 26. Politics and its challenges resurfaced, with Barnier, who was appointed just four days earlier, also facing criticism from the French people.
As a right-wing figure propelled to the position of Prime Minister by Emmanuel Macron and with the need to work with the presidential camp, Barnier tried to signal that a new chapter of the presidency was beginning with him. However, the left denounced what they saw as a “power grab” by a president who had been punished in the legislative elections on July 7. They were furious that a member of the Les Républicains party, which came in fifth in the elections, had risen to the highest office. The New Popular Front organized protests all over France, with banners declaring, “Barnier, get lost, we didn’t vote for you!”
To establish his legitimacy, the 73-year-old Prime Minister emphasized his style and “method,” which aimed to be the opposite of Macronism. Barnier stated that he was not there to show off and emphasized his commitment to health and public services during his visit to the Necker Hospital in Paris. He aimed to counteract the performative rhetoric of Macronism, where much is said but not always done, and the excessive communication of the outgoing executive branch. Barnier also signaled that public debt would be controlled and managed expectations, warning against expecting miracles. He announced that his government’s policy statement would be released in early October, emphasizing that the government formation would take place at his own pace.
As a Prime Minister without a majority, Barnier consulted extensively to refine his roadmap and build his team, hoping to avoid a vote of no confidence that could topple him. He needed to take his time to establish his government, despite growing impatience in a country that had been without a functioning government since July 16. Barnier wanted to take the necessary time to carefully select his team and strategy to avoid any hasty decisions that could jeopardize his position. He desired to remain in office for as long as possible and navigate the challenges of a divided political landscape, with the far-right National Rally party looming as a potential threat.
