France's New PM Michel Barnier Faces Daunting Political Landscape

Michel Barnier, France's new Conservative Prime Minister, plans to toughen immigration policies and uphold some of Macron's reforms. Despite the lack of a clear parliament majority, Barnier invites support from all political factions. Al Jazeera reports challenges ahead, including budget approval and addressing deficit pressure.

France's newly appointed Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, has signaled a rightward shift in his policies, notably toughening the government's stance on immigration and defending President Emmanuel Macron's policies, Al Jazeera reported. Barnier announced on Friday that his government, which lacks a clear majority in a hung lower house of parliament, will include conservatives as well as members of Macron's camp.

Despite the rightward tilt, Barnier welcomed support from other groups, including the left. "There is no red line," Barnier stated. "We need to open the door to all those who want it." In a surprise move, Macron named the 73-year-old Barnier, a conservative and former EU Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday, ending a two-month political standoff created by an ill-fated snap election that resulted in a hung parliament.

Barnier now faces the challenge of driving reforms and passing the 2025 budget in a parliament under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit, Al Jazeera noted. He expressed readiness to uphold Macron's unpopular reforms, including the rise in retirement age, which had previously sparked massive protests. "We must not call into question this law, which was adopted under very difficult circumstances," Barnier declared, although he indicated willingness to adjust the policy to protect the most vulnerable.

Barnier also indicated a hardline stance on immigration, emphasizing the need for stronger border controls. "There is still a feeling that our borders are sieves and that migration flows aren't being controlled," he remarked. Additionally, political rivals previously alleged Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) exerted undue influence over Macron, who chose Barnier to avoid immediate opposition from a majority of lawmakers.

The RN tentatively supported Barnier's nomination, stating it would not immediately vote it down but hinted it could withdraw support if its concerns on immigration, security, and economic issues were not addressed. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)