France’s political landscape is shifting again. On Monday, far-right leader Marine Le Pen praised her meeting with France’s new Prime Minister François Bayrou, calling his approach “more positive” than that of his predecessor, Michel Barnier.
“He listened to us,” Le Pen told French media. “It’s perhaps too early to say we were heard, but we were listened to.” Bayrou is meeting leaders of France’s parliamentary groups to build consensus, starting with Le Pen and Jordan Bardella from the National Rally (RN).
Bayrou’s Challenge: Uniting a Divided Parliament
Bayrou’s appointment last Friday by President Emmanuel Macron makes him the fourth French prime minister this year. His first major task is passing a 2025 social security budget after Barnier’s failure led to his ousting.
Barnier was toppled by a no-confidence vote after trying to force through his budget without parliamentary approval. He became France’s shortest-serving prime minister, lasting just 91 days. Le Pen, a key opponent of Barnier, blocked the budget despite last-minute concessions.
“The prime minister said he wants regular discussions with all political parties,” Le Pen added. “That method is more constructive.”
A Fractured Political Landscape
With Macron’s centrist alliance lacking a parliamentary majority, Bayrou must gain support from moderate lawmakers on both the left and right. The RN, France’s largest parliamentary party with 124 seats, holds significant influence.
Though the RN initially criticized Bayrou’s appointment, Le Pen and Bardella have agreed to give him a chance. “We’ll see how it goes,” Le Pen said. “He promised equal treatment for all political groups, and that is encouraging.”
Urgent Budget Concerns
Bayrou’s priority is emergency legislation to extend the 2024 budget, followed by negotiations for the 2025 plan starting early next year. France’s deficit, expected to hit 6% of GDP, remains under EU and market scrutiny.
Bayrou described the challenge as “a Himalayan struggle,” with France needing to balance its finances after Barnier’s failed €60 billion plan of tax hikes and spending cuts. For now, Le Pen’s cautious optimism suggests Bayrou may find early support where Barnier could not.