“The situation is favorable to the left since it finds itself in a position to have a sort of monopoly on the opposition” – Libération

For political scientist Jean-Yves Dormagen, the choice of Michel Barnier is a choice of continuity of Macronism, which could, ultimately, benefit the left.

By appointing Michel Barnier to Matignon on Thursday, September 5, Emmanuel Macron is taking a gamble by banking on the leniency of the National Rally, which has announced that it will not automatically censure the next Barnier government. For Jean-Yves Dormagen, professor of political science at the University of Montpellier and president of the Cluster17 polling institute, this choice of a figure “quite largely Macron-compatible” could in fine benefit the left, if it knows how to use it.

What is Michel Barnier’s political profile?

He is a fairly old politician – that is part of the equation – with a right-wing political position but very pro-European. This is very important in the choice that was made, because there is a challenge with regard to Europe, on the eve of the design of the budget, while a procedure is underway at the European level for excessive deficit. Michel Barnier is also quite largely Macron-compatible, in the sense that, on major economic issues, on international issues, on Europe, they have a fairly strong proximity. And, of course, the fact that he is a right-wing political actor means that the barycentre of the future government is in the centre right and on the right, with a whole bunch of political consequences.

What bet is Emmanuel Macron making by appointing him?