Following the early general elections held in France on June 30 and July 7, the left-wing coalition New Popular Front (Nouveau Front Populaire) finished first, but a government could not be formed. The political vacuum that continued due to Macron postponing the formation of a new government until after the Paris Olympics ended with the appointment of a new prime minister. Macron appointed former European Union (EU) Brexit Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, a prominent figure on the right wing, as prime minister.
In a statement from the Elysee Palace, it was announced that President Macron has tasked Michel Barnier with forming a unity government that will serve the country and the French people. It was emphasized that this appointment was made after a long consultation process with various political parties and that the aim is to form the new government with the broadest support to ensure stability.
Barnier, who previously held various ministerial posts and twice represented France in the European Commission, served as chief negotiator for Brexit, the UK’s exit from the EU, between 2016 and 2021.
EARLY ELECTIONS LEADING TO CRISIS IN FRANCE
In France, the far-right National Rally Party’s huge success in the European Parliament elections led President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and call early elections. In the first round of early general elections held on June 30, the National Rally Party (RN), led by 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, came in first with 33.15 percent of the vote, while in the second round held on July 7, the leftist New Popular Front alliance, consisting of Unsubmissive France (LFI), the Green Party (EEVL), the Socialist Party (PS) and the Communist Party of France (PCF), led by Jean Luc Melenchon, came in first. However, no party was able to form a majority in parliament.