Initially, Michel Barnier was invited as a former deputy from Haute-Savoie to the parliamentary sessions of the Republicans (LR) in Annecy, in the Alps. On Thursday, the elected officials of the right welcomed their party colleague, but with the respect due to a prime minister in office for a week. “He had a very warm welcome, we gave him a standing ovation when he arrived.” says one of his protégés, the deputy for the Loire, Antoine Vermorel-Marques. On leaving, today’s guest spoke of a moment ” friendly “ with “a real family” without further delay in front of the journalists.
In the afternoon, Michel Barnier spoke to deputies and senators for almost an hour. A friendly discussion in Barnier style: without beating around the bush or excessive familiarity. On the shores of Lake Bourget, however, there was a scent of victory by proxy for the fifth political force in the country at the end of the last legislative elections with its 47 deputies, including their families. “It is quite surprising to see him among us as he usually is, but this time as Prime Minister, admits the Member of Parliament for La Mancha, Philippe Gosselin. No one had imagined this situation on the day after the legislative elections.
Starting with Laurent Wauquiez. On the evening of the second round, the leader of the Republican Right group in the National Assembly closed the door to any government coalition. There is no question of getting involved with a Macron whose obsolescence is expected in 2027. Especially when, like him, we have more than enough ambitions for the Elysée. “The appointment of Michel Barnier is excellent news and we have made a strong commitment to him. said the deputy of Haute-Loire today. We need right-wing policies so that there are no tax increases, so that there is more security, so that there is less immigration. »
Guarantees of independence
Cautious until the last few days, support for the new prime minister is taken for granted, now almost exaggerated by the right. And not even the rain that falls at the end of the meeting with the prime minister erases the smiles and praise for the former Brexit negotiator. The man is adorned with all the qualities: a sense of dialogue, temperance and even a well-disguised humour, but which some perceive.“He has this reassuring side and this serenity. These are very important qualities at a time when our fellow citizens are calling for appeasement.” Nicolas Forissier, MP (for Indre), says happily “for having advocated morning, afternoon and evening for three years” for an approach to the central block.
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