French Prime Minister Michel Barnier could step down if he cannot form a new government after a meeting with deputies on Thursday, the France Info radio network has reported, citing a member of the right-wing Les Republicains. Two weeks after being appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, Barnier has thus far failed to form a new administration that can meet the conflicting priorities of a divided lower house of parliament and address France’s widening budget deficit. “This is the last chance and otherwise, [the prime minister] will resign. He will realize that it will not be possible, that the personal interests of everyone prevent him from forming a government calmly,” the unnamed Les Republicains member told the broadcaster. According to another source in the party, Macron “is getting involved” in the process. “He [Macron] plays with fire. If Michel Barnier resigns, he will be on the front line,” the unnamed politician said.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier could step down if he cannot form a new government after a meeting with deputies on Thursday, the France Info radio network has reported, citing a member of the right-wing Les Republicains. Two weeks after being appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, Barnier has thus far failed to form a new administration that can meet the conflicting priorities of a divided lower house of parliament and address France’s widening budget deficit.
“This is the last chance and otherwise, [the prime minister] will resign. He will realize that it will not be possible, that the personal interests of everyone prevent him from forming a government calmly,” the unnamed Les Republicains member told the broadcaster.
According to another source in the party, Macron “is getting involved” in the process.
“He [Macron] plays with fire. If Michel Barnier resigns, he will be on the front line,” the unnamed politician said.