Le Pen on Macron’s fragile position: He may end his term early

Marine Le Pen, leader of the right-wing parliamentary group "National Union," has suggested that France could face extraordinary presidential elections due to the "fragile position" of President Emmanuel Macron.

Speaking to Le Parisien, Le Pen outlined scenarios that might compel Macron to step down prematurely, Caliber.Az reports.

"There are many reasons why Emmanuel Macron may decide to end his presidential term," she stated. "I am preparing for early presidential elections as a precautionary measure, given Macron's fragile position and the few institutional levers he has left."

Le Pen pointed out that Macron's challenges may come from within his own centrist bloc, as disagreements could arise over his recent appointment of Prime Minister François Bayrou.

The pressure on Macron is mounting, with opposition leaders calling for his resignation. Mathilde Panot, leader of the "Unruly France" faction in parliament, linked her demand for Macron’s departure to his controversial choice of Bayrou as prime minister.

"Macron must go," Panot declared, adding that she intends to propose a vote of no confidence in the prime minister.

Florian Philippot, leader of the "French Patriots" party, echoed similar sentiments. He criticized Bayrou as an "ultra-Atlanticist" and staunch NATO supporter, claiming, "This is a man who supported compulsory COVID-19 vaccination, favors postal voting, and has been entrenched in French politics for almost 45 years."

On December 13, the Élysée Palace announced the appointment of François Bayrou, leader of the centrist Democratic Movement party, as France's new prime minister. At 73 years old, Bayrou succeeds Michel Barnier, who resigned after the National Assembly passed a no-confidence resolution against his government on December 4.

Macron's decision to appoint Bayrou has sparked widespread criticism, adding to the challenges the president faces as his political support dwindles.

By Tamilla Hasanova