The Rise of François Bayrou: France’s Fourth Prime Minister in 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron has named François Bayrou his fourth prime minister of 2024, tasking the veteran centrist with steering the country out of its second major political crisis in the last six months.
The 73-year-old was appointed nine days after parliament in a historic no-confidence vote following a standoff over his attempts to pass a cost-cutting 2025 budget.
“The president of the Republic has appointed Mr. François Bayrou as prime minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the presidency said.
Bayrou is the sixth prime minister of Macron’s mandate, with his predecessor Barnier, France’s shortest-serving premier, having lasted only three months.
Three times a presidential candidate himself, in 2002, 2007, and 2012 — and long cited as an obvious choice for Macron as head of government — he has finally assumed the role.
Who is François Bayrou and What is His Background?
Bayrou, 73, heads the liberal Democratic Movement (MoDem) party, which is allied to, but not part of, Macron’s centrist force and has supported the president ever since his victorious 2017 election campaign.
He was named justice minister by Macron when he took the presidency in 2017. He resigned the same year when a legal case was opened against him over the alleged fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants by his party, but remained a key behind-the-scenes ally.
Bayrou was acquitted in February after the seven-year-long case, with the judge ruling that he was owed the “benefit of the doubt”. His acquittal opened up a potential return to government.
Mayor of the southwestern city of Pau, Bayrou is a practicing Catholic but also a staunch supporter of France’s secular system.
He gained notoriety during his 2002 presidential campaign when he slapped the face of a child who tried to pick his pocket. He won less than 7 per cent of the vote and was eliminated in the first round.
The father of six children, Bayrou is also the author of a biography of the 16th- and 17th-century French king Henry IV.
Challenges Ahead for François Bayrou
Bayrou will have to navigate a tricky course as the sixth prime minister of Macron’s presidency. Each successive premier has served for a shorter period than their predecessor, and there is no guarantee that Bayrou’s tenure will be any different.
His immediate priority will be passing a special law to roll over the 2024 budget, with a looming battle over the 2025 legislation early next year.
Parliamentary pushback over budget bills led to the downfall of previous prime ministers, and Bayrou will have to find a balance to avoid a similar fate.
Bayrou’s proximity to Macron, who is facing opposition from various political parties, may prove to be a vulnerability for the new prime minister.
Leaders of different parties have expressed their concerns and intentions regarding Bayrou’s appointment, setting the stage for potential conflicts in the near future.
Macron will be looking to Bayrou to navigate through these challenges and maintain stability until a new parliamentary election can be held in July.
Conclusion
François Bayrou’s appointment as the fourth prime minister of France in 2024 comes at a critical time for the country. With a history of political experience and a background in various government roles, Bayrou faces significant challenges ahead as he takes on the task of leading the nation through a period of political turmoil and economic uncertainty.
FAQs
1. How many times has François Bayrou run for president?
François Bayrou has run for president three times, in 2002, 2007, and 2012.
2. What party does François Bayrou belong to?
François Bayrou heads the liberal Democratic Movement (MoDem) party.