Macron seeks to fast-track new prime minister ahead of looming strikes POLITICO on the crisis in France

French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to swiftly appoint a new prime minister following the expected collapse of François Bayrou’s minority government on September 8, according to two individuals familiar with the president’s thinking, POLITICO reports.

Macron’s apparent objective is to have Bayrou’s replacement confirmed before September 18, when major nationwide strikes are scheduled to begin. The strikes, spearheaded by unions representing railway workers, air traffic controllers, Air France staff, civil servants, and teachers, threaten to paralyse transport networks and public services across France.

There are also calls for a nationwide shutdown on September 10, driven largely by the radical left, according to an analysis by the Jean Jaurès Foundation. While Macron’s team does not expect massive turnout that day, officials are preparing for potential unrest and violence.

“The real problem [for Emmanuel Macron’s staff] is whether it will continue on the 19th, the 20th,” said one individual close to the matter. “They’re freaking out, they’re calling everywhere to find out.”

One minister told POLITICO that having a new head of government in place before the strike is crucial: “Someone can face the unions on Sept. 18.”

Bayrou’s administration is widely expected to fall during a confidence vote on September 8. His government has faced mounting opposition over a controversial plan to cut €43.8 billion from next year’s budget, a measure he insists is necessary to rein in France’s soaring deficit.

By Vugar Khalilov