Macron to Name New PM Within 48 Hours as Le Pen Hits Record 38%; 'Loi Spéciale' Unveiled to Avert Shutdown

Dec 11, 2024, 11:46 AM

France is facing a political crisis following the censure of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government. President Emmanuel Macron aims to appoint a new Prime Minister within 48 hours to stabilize the government and avoid a shutdown. The caretaker administration presented an emergency finance bill, known as the 'loi spéciale' comprising three articles, in the Council of Ministers to authorize the collection of taxes and ensure the continuity of public services starting January 1, 2025. The budget deficit is projected to exceed 6%, increasing the urgency to pass the law and prevent a government shutdown due to the lack of an approved budget. Discussions are ongoing among political parties to form a new government, but challenges remain. The Socialist Party, led by Olivier Faure, opposes the nomination of centrist François Bayrou as Prime Minister, warning that his appointment would lead to a censure. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen's popularity continues to rise, with recent polls placing her at a record 38% of the vote in the first round of the 2027 presidential election. Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that the coalition which supported Michel Barnier could not be expanded after discussions with parties excluding the National Rally (RN) and La France Insoumise (LFI). The exclusion of RN and LFI from government negotiations has been criticized, with 65% of French people regretting their exclusion, according to a recent poll. Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister of Budget, confirmed that there will be no new taxes in January. The 'loi spéciale' will be debated in the National Assembly on December 16 and in the Senate on December 17. The law allows for the collection of taxes and temporary borrowing to fund public services, but does not permit new investments except in cases of urgent necessity.