While the Barnier government has been censored, the name of François Baroin, mayor of Troyes and historic figure of the right, comes up insistently as a potential future Prime Minister. A hypothesis reported by Le Parisien, which arouses as much curiosity as questions.
Since the announcement of a possible overthrow of the Barnier government, speculation has been rife about the identity of the person who could succeed Michel Barnier, relays Le Parisien. In this context, François Baroin seems to embody an option seriously considered by the Élysée. With his experience as mayor, minister and consensus politician, he appears to be a credible solution, particularly if Emmanuel Macron decides to turn to the ranks of the Republicans to consolidate a majority.
François Baroin, former minister of Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy, has a rich and varied career behind him, a CV tailored for Matignon. Senator, deputy, mayor of Troyes and former president of the mayors of France, he has undeniable assets. Considered a man of the right capable of dialogue with the left, he could embody a strategic choice for Emmanuel Macron, who seeks to avoid a new political crisis.
According to a close friend of the president quoted by Le Parisien, “François Baroin has no dispute with the National Rally and maintains good relations with former allies like Éric Ciotti.. A position which could facilitate the constitution of a majority capable of resisting a motion of censure, in this parliamentary context.
F. Baroin, ready to take charge, a risky but promising card
If François Baroin often found himself in the list of favorites for Matignon, he never realized these aspirations. This time the situation seems different. “He is very interested, there is no doubt. And he lets it be known,” reports a source close to the matter. He even discreetly sent messages to indicate his availability.
Despite this dynamic, nothing has yet been decided. Emmanuel Macron, who returns from Saudi Arabia, remains silent about his intentions. Other names are circulating, such as Sébastien Lecornu or François Bayrou, but none seem to garner as many votes as Baroin. In a context of great political instability, this candidate could appear as a reassuring, even strategic, choice.
But this hypothesis is not without risk: accepting Matignon means carrying a high-risk mandate, in a tense parliamentary climate. However, for the moment, the former minister stands ready, “patient, skillful and discreet,” as Edouard Philippe described him. It remains to be seen whether Emmanuel Macron will dare to bet on this “plan B”, which has become plan A.
