Macron Seeks Broad Alliance to Form New French Government

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a “meeting of different political forces” to create a new government following the political crisis caused by Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s removal. This statement came from Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens party, after her meeting with Macron at the Elysee Palace on Monday. Macron, according to Tondelier, proposed a “new method” for assembling a government that could unite various political factions.

The crisis began after July’s snap elections failed to produce a clear majority, which led to Macron appointing conservative Barnier as prime minister almost two months later. However, Barnier was ousted last week in a no-confidence vote over a 2025 draft budget aimed at addressing France’s growing deficit.

With no new polls planned until the summer, Macron is now pushing for a “meeting of different political forces” to discuss a platform for a new government, Tondelier said. Until now, Macron has been meeting party leaders individually to explore potential alliances. However, building a majority will be challenging, as the French parliament is nearly evenly split between Macron’s centrist group, the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance, conservatives, and the far-right National Rally (RN).

Macron was clear that the RN would not be part of the negotiations. The RN had initially supported Barnier’s minority government but then helped bring about his downfall. This leaves the left, centre, and centre-right to try to find common ground after years of tension, particularly since Macron’s election in 2017.

A Slow Path to a New Government

Macron’s call for a broad meeting signals that a new executive will not be formed quickly. Macron’s ally, parliamentary speaker Yael Braun-Pivet, had earlier suggested a new prime minister could be named “within the next few hours.” She urged Macron’s centrists to form an alliance with the conservative Republicans (LR), independent MPs, and the Socialists to create a stable majority. Others have called for Macron, 46, to resign and trigger a new presidential election. However, Macron has insisted he will serve out his term and plans to take “30 months of useful action,” with a new prime minister to be appointed soon.

While the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris over the weekend, following its 2019 fire, provided a brief reprieve, Macron now faces immense pressure to form a government capable of surviving a no-confidence vote and passing the budget for the coming year to avoid further political and economic instability.

Urgency to Act

Macron’s allies are urging him to act swiftly. “We can’t go on like this,” said centrist ally François Bayrou on Sunday, warning that the French people are growing weary of the uncertainty. Bayrou, head of the MoDem party (which is allied with Macron’s centrist movement), has been mentioned as a potential candidate for prime minister. He expressed willingness to step in to resolve the crisis, stating, “If I can help us get through this, I will.” However, Bayrou’s candidacy is not widely supported.

“We need a personality who is compatible with the left,” said Raphael Glucksmann, a prominent centre-left politician, suggesting that Bayrou’s political record might not be the right fit for the current situation.

The crisis also highlights growing tensions within the NFP, the left-wing alliance that became the largest bloc in the National Assembly after the summer elections. While some NFP members have expressed willingness to work with Macron, others, particularly from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), have refused any cooperation.

Meanwhile, Jordan Bardella, leader of the RN, criticized Macron for excluding his party from talks, demanding to meet with the future prime minister. “You can’t pretend we’re not here,” he said.

For now, Barnier remains in office on a caretaker basis until a new government is formed.