The French president finally decided this Monday, after several days of speculation, to replace his prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, who had been in office for twenty months. The name of her successor has not yet been revealed, but the French media speak insistently of the Minister of Education, Gabriel Attal, only 34 years old, one of the president’s main collaborators since he arrived at the Elysee in May 2017.
Borne is the third head of government during Macron’s presidency. Before her, Édouard Philippe and Jean Castex occupied the position. The resigning prime minister has had to deal with very difficult issues such as the pension reform, which had to be approved by decree, and the immigration law, a legislative ordeal that finally ended with a favorable vote from the right and the extreme right. . The latter was very embarrassing for the Government and for Macron himself.
Borne’s departure shows how difficult it is for Macron to govern France after his supporters lost their absolute majority in the legislative elections in June 2022. The only potential partners capable of propping up the Macronists are the Republicans (LR, traditional right). , but they sell their support very dearly and subject the Government to permanent instability.
Borne’s departure – she formally resigned, although it was Macron who urged her to resign – automatically entails a government remodeling. Macron is desperately trying to give new impetus to his presidency, which must conclude in May 2027. This year there are very important events, such as the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, which will bring together the main leaders of the allied countries in France. , and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, an event that should shine for France but entails enormous security risks.
