In a recent TV interview, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he will keep the country’s centrist caretaker government in place until mid-August, coinciding with the end of the Olympic Games. This decision aims to ensure stability and avoid potential disorder during the high-profile international event. Macron’s announcement follows the leftist coalition’s selection of Lucie Castets, a relatively unknown civil servant, as their proposed prime minister. Despite the coalition’s electoral success in the recent parliamentary elections, Macron’s move effectively dismisses their attempt to install a new prime minister before the Games conclude.
In his TV interview, President Emmanuel Macron stated that the existing caretaker government would remain in place to manage current affairs throughout the duration of the Olympic Games, which conclude on August 11. Macron emphasized that maintaining the current administration during this period is crucial for ensuring stability and smooth operation. This decision is aimed at preventing any potential disruptions or instability that might arise from a change in leadership while the country is hosting a major international event. Macron’s choice underscores his commitment to maintaining a steady and reliable government until the Olympics have concluded.
Upon getting asked about Castets, Macron told France 2: “This is not the issue. The name is not the issue. The issue is: which majority can emerge at the (national) assembly?”
“Until mid-August, we’re in no position to change things, because it would create disorder.”
There is currently no set deadline for when President Emmanuel Macron must appoint a new prime minister. The recent parliamentary elections have resulted in a fragmented National Assembly with no single political bloc holding a dominant position for the first time in France’s modern history.
As President, Macron has the authority to choose the prime minister. However, the chosen candidate will need to secure the support of a majority in the National Assembly to avoid facing a no-confidence vote. This requirement ensures that the prime minister can effectively govern and enact policies.
Lucie Castets, who has been proposed by the leftist coalition for the role, is a seasoned civil servant with an impressive academic and professional background. She graduated from Sciences Po, the London School of Economics, and the École Nationale d’Administration. Her career includes roles at the General Directorate of the Treasury and Tracfin, the anti-money-laundering unit within the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Bercy).
The New Popular Front praised Lucie Castets for her advocacy on public services and fighting financial crime. Marine Tondelier of the Green Party urged Macron to appoint her as prime minister, while Sébastien Chenu of the National Rally criticized the choice. France faces potential government paralysis due to the split among the New Popular Front, Macron’s centrist allies, and the far-right National Rally.
