French President Emmanuel Macron has declared his intention to stay in office, pledging to appoint a new prime minister in the coming days to navigate France through its current political turmoil. This announcement comes after Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government was dissolved following a historic no-confidence vote, marking the first such ousting of a French administration in over six decades.
In a defiant address to the nation, Macron rejected mounting pressure from opposition parties to resign. \"I will appoint a prime minister in the coming days,\" he stated, emphasizing his commitment to forming a \"government of general interest\" with the primary goal of passing the national budget.
Barnier, who became France's shortest-serving premier, stepped down after his administration lost the vote of no confidence due to a contentious budget standoff. As Macron faces his third opportunity this year to select a new prime minister, he has yet to name a successor during his address.
Addressing the political crisis, Macron criticized the far right and hard left for uniting in what he called an \"anti-republican front\" aimed at toppling the government. He condemned lawmakers for choosing to bring down the government just days before the Christmas holidays, accusing them of destabilizing the nation.
The French presidency has assured that Barnier and his ministers will continue to oversee daily operations until a new government is established. However, with legislative elections not scheduled until summer 2024, Macron's position remains precarious.
Public sentiment appears divided, with polls indicating that a significant majority of French citizens, between 59% and 64%, are calling for Macron to resign to resolve the ongoing deadlock. Despite this, Macron remains steadfast, declaring, \"The mandate that you gave to me democratically in the 2022 elections is a five-year mandate and I will exercise it fully, right up to the end.\" He added, \"The 30 months we have ahead of us must be 30 months of useful action for the country.\"
Opposition voices are growing louder, with hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon attributing the nation's troubles to Macron, predicting his departure before the end of his term. Barnier's resignation marks the fifth time Macron has replaced his prime minister since taking office in 2017, with each premier serving increasingly shorter terms. Potential candidates to succeed Barnier include Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, centrist ally Francois Bayrou, and former Socialist premier Bernard Cazeneuve.
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France's Macron vows to stay on, promises PM in 'coming days'
cgtn.com
