France faces political crisis after failed elections

Source: The post France faces political crisis after failed elections has been created, based on the article “Costly gambles: Emmanuel Macron is driving France into one crisis after another” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations

Context: The article discusses France’s political crisis after President Macron’s failed gambles. A hung parliament, economic troubles, and unstable governments have worsened the situation. Macron’s refusal to work with the Left has prolonged the crisis, risking further instability and economic harm. France faces political crisis after failed elections.

What Led to France’s Current Political Crisis?

1. President Emmanuel Macron called a snap legislative election to secure a new mandate for his centrist coalition and stop the far-right National Rally’s rise.
2. However, the election led to a hung parliament. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the largest bloc, but Macron appointed Michel Barnier, a conservative leader from the Republicans (who finished fourth), to form the government.
3. Barnier’s government collapsed within three months, leaving France without a budget for 2025.

Who Is France’s New Prime Minister?

1. Macron has now appointed François Bayrou, leader of the Democratic Movement party, as Prime Minister.
2. His party holds just 33 seats in the 577-member National Assembly, making him weak in Parliament.
3. Even if Macron’s coalition (Ensemble) and the Republicans combine, they still lack a majority (289 seats).

What Are the Challenges Facing the New Government?

1. The Socialist Party, part of the left-wing alliance, has refused to join the new government.
2. This leaves Bayrou’s government dependent on Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally for survival.
3. Passing an emergency budget to ensure essential services is Bayrou’s immediate task.
4. Negotiations will be difficult as the far-right opposes further cuts in social spending.

How Severe Are France’s Economic Issues?

France is facing significant economic troubles:

• Rising unemployment and falling domestic consumption.
• The fiscal deficit has jumped to 6.1% of GDP, worse than Greece, Spain, and Italy (countries hit hard in the 2008-09 debt crisis).
• France’s national debt has grown to €3.2 trillion, over 112% of GDP.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors that led to France’s current political crisis and the challenges facing its new government.