French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to appoint a new prime minister in the “coming days” following the ousting of Michel Barnier, who was removed by a no-confidence vote after just three months in office.
In a televised address on Thursday, Macron refrained from naming a successor, with multiple sources indicating the decision will likely be delayed until after Monday.
Barnier, Macron’s fifth prime minister since 2017, faced a tenure shorter than his predecessors. Given the fragmented National Assembly, there is no assurance his replacement will fare any better.
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Here are the four frontrunners, though a surprise candidate may still emerge—just as Barnier did during the last-minute deliberations in September.
Sebastien Lecornu
Lecornu, a staunch Macron loyalist, retained his key ministerial position during the last reshuffle, reflecting his critical role during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
At 38, Lecornu has been in politics since he became a parliamentary assistant at 19. Appointed defence minister in May 2022, he has consistently supported aid for Ukraine, opting for low-profile media engagements. Reports suggest Macron considered naming him in Thursday’s address but hesitated after concerns over his perceived right-wing stance.
Francois Bayrou
Bayrou, 73, leads the MoDem party, an ally of Macron’s centrist coalition. Acquitted in February after a lengthy legal battle over fraudulent employment allegations, Bayrou’s political career includes three presidential bids and a stint as justice minister in 2017. Despite resigning amid legal scrutiny that year, his acquittal paves the way for a potential return to prominence.
Xavier Bertrand
Bertrand, 59, heads the Hauts-de-France region and served as labour and health minister under Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. Known for his media presence, he sought the Republican nomination for the 2022 presidential race but fell short. Bertrand remains a close ally of Sarkozy, whose influence on the right persists despite legal controversies.
Bernard Cazeneuve
A former Socialist leader, Cazeneuve, 61, briefly served as prime minister under Francois Hollande from 2016 to 2017. More prominently, he was interior minister during the 2015 Paris terror attacks. After leaving the Socialist Party in 2022 due to its alignment with hard-left factions, Cazeneuve has maintained a strained relationship with his former allies.
Macron’s choice will reveal whether he opts for loyalty, political pragmatism, or surprise to navigate the challenges ahead.
