Michel Barnier, between a clear break with the Macron method and political continuity, defends his “road map” before the deputies

Upon returning to the Bourbon Palace after a “hiatus” of fifteen years, Michel Barnier will surely not have recognized the chamber of 1^Ahem October. In 2009, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries was able to count on the unwavering support of a large majority of 332 deputies of the UMP-Centro Nuevo. Come present your “Roadmap for the two and a half years that lie ahead”Twenty-six days after his appointment, the Prime Minister had before his eyes on Tuesday, according to his own description, “a National Assembly divided like never before since 1958, where no political party has an absolute majority on its own, nor with its allies”.

Pink ribbon in his buttonhole (a symbol of the fight against breast cancer), unperturbed despite the questions coming from the seats of La France insoumise (he had been advised not to react), the new prime minister emerged with a monotone voice, one hour and twenty-three minutes, a general policy speech that oscillates between rupture and continuity with the policy led for seven years by the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron.

First, a clear break with the method. Referring to the former president of the council Pierre Mendès France (1954-1955) and the former prime minister Michel Rocard (1988-1991), the new tenant of Matignon intends to make “Dialogue and a culture of commitment are a principle of government”. With Parliament, political forces, local authorities, social partners, abroad, “We need listening, respect and dialogue”he insisted. An implicit criticism of the way of governing, often considered disjointed and condescending, that has prevailed in recent years.

Coming from a political family, Les Républicains (LR), not very favorable to proportional representation, says Michel Barnier: “ Ready to open a reflection without ideology. » about this voting method. And announces the withdrawal of the constitutional bill on the unfreezing of the electoral body in New Caledonia, which “ triggered a crisis of exceptional severity » in spring. He also promises “ resume dialogue » with Parliament in early 2025 on the end-of-life bill.

As if he wanted to repair Macron’s mistakes

The former Gaullist activist also advocates a change of method on the international scene, because “Influence cannot be decreed”but “it is built with patience, defending our interests without arrogance and paying attention to all our partners”.

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