In a surprising development, former EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has emerged as the frontrunner for the position of French prime minister. The move comes as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to break the parliamentary deadlock, similar to what Theresa May faced during her tenure as UK prime minister. Reports suggest that Barnier’s name was sent to Macron on Wednesday and is now being seriously considered for the role. An official announcement is expected to be made soon.
One advantage of considering Barnier for prime minister is that he has no history with the leaders of the far-right National Rally, which could help in building relationships and fostering unity within the government. Interestingly, Barnier is already acquainted with former British Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins, who is rumored to be a strong contender for the position of Keir Starmer’s Cabinet secretary. It will be interesting to see how their dynamic plays out if both are appointed to their respective positions.
As we await further updates, it’s important to note that this development highlights France’s unpredictable political landscape. While a decision might be made soon, the intricacies of French politics could still come into play and potentially change the course of events. Only time will tell if Barnier’s nomination materializes, but it certainly adds an element of intrigue to the political scene in France.