Francois Bayrou: The Centrist Contender for France's Next Prime Minister

Centrist French politician Francois Bayrou is a potential successor to acting Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Bayrou is set to meet President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. Macron postponed the nomination of a new PM after Barnier's resignation, causing France's second major political crisis in six months.

In a critical junction for French politics, centrist politician Francois Bayrou is emerging as a potential successor to acting Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Scheduled to meet President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, his candidature comes amid a turbulent political atmosphere.

Macron, who initially planned to appoint a new head of government within 48 hours, has delayed the nomination to today. The outgoing cabinet, led by Barnier, faced a parliamentary topple backed by far-right and leftist lawmakers.

This development marks France's second major political crisis in half a year, following Barnier's recent resignation, raising the stakes for Macron's forthcoming decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)