In December 2023, when rumors spread of a replacement for Elisabeth Borne at Matignon, Marine Le Pen's advisor, Philippe Olivier, confided his preference: “In these cases, you need someone very political, consensual and respected. The profile is François Bayrou: he has good relationships with everyone, he would be able to maneuver. » A year later, the far right got their wish: the centrist they hated the least was named head of government.
Enough for Marine Le Pen to imagine having haunted the mind of Emmanuel Macron, this “irresolute man” who had excluded her from negotiations for Matignon. “The left [invitée aux discussions à l’Elysée] flexed his muscles for a whole week for nothingdecides the boss of the National Rally (RN) deputies Friday evening, between two chalets at the Hénin-Beaumont Christmas market (Pas-de-Calais). I think that Emmanuel Macron always kept in mind that those who could censor [du futur premier ministre] were the elected representatives of the RN. »
Follow the live | Live, François Bayrou Prime Minister: Bruno Retailleau was received at Matignon on Friday evening
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As for Michel Barnier during his nomination, his party promises to “give the product a chance”. Perhaps even until the summer of 2025, when legislative elections can be called again. “There will be no a priori censorship”confirmed Friday the president of the Lepenist party, Jordan Bardella. “Our red lines remain, they will not vary”he said, calling on the new head of government to “take into consideration”. “No reimbursement of medicines, do not weaken the economic and social situation of retirees”he recalled.
Tasting the incredible stories of the choice of Mr. Bayrou, and his alleged threats to secede if Matignon escapes him, Marine Le Pen wants to believe that the graduate of classics will be “more independent” than his predecessor with regard to the head of state. “Emmanuel Macron constantly plays piecemeal, but he seems to have stumbled upon a bone this timesmiles the three-time presidential candidate. François Bayrou is known for not having an easy character, and for having refused any relationship of subordination with Emmanuel Macron. » And the far right dreams of writing part of the centrist's road map. “We have symbolic things to pass and I think that François Bayrou is intelligent enough to take them into account, in particular the proportional or the indexation of pensions”wants to believe Philippe Olivier, convinced that, with the Béarnais, “the budget can be adopted”.
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