Macron's New Prime Minister Amid Political Storm

In a significant political development in France, President Emmanuel Macron announced he will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days following the resignation of Michel Barnier. This announcement came after an unprecedented no-confidence vote, wherein Barnier, who had only served 90 days, lost the backing of Parliament, mainly due to a coalition between the far-left and far-right political factions. Macron, addressing the nation, firmly rejected calls for his own resignation, affirming his commitment to serve until the end of his term in 2027. He attributed the no-confidence vote to extreme political divisions, which he claims has hindered efforts to govern effectively. Macron vowed to bring in a successor who could foster unity within a fragmented Parliament and stated that high ambitions and cooperation were essential for France moving forward. As speculation grows over who will succeed Barnier, Macron's approval ratings themselves appear to be waning, with polls indicating that a majority of the French public believe he should resign. Additionally, the timing of this political uncertainty coincides with the upcoming visit of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to inaugurate the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, a critical moment that Macron hopes will showcase French resilience amidst chaos. The looming changes in leadership further highlight the ongoing political challenge France faces as it heads towards a crucial election year.