Like others who preceded him, Michel Barnier charts his path, ignoring the criticism of some and the dire predictions of others about his future at the head of the State. In his boots, or almost, the 73-year-old Prime Minister, guest on Thursday, October 3, on the political program of France 2, “L’Evénement”, assumes the role of“anti-Jupiter”, eager to open a new page in French politics, seven years after Emmanuel Macron came to power.
“The president presides, the government governs (…) In the end what counts is the interest of the country.”slides, in a formula reminiscent of “He is he and I am me”of Prime Minister Laurent Fabius speaking, in 1984, about his relationship with the President of the Republic François Mitterrand.
In forty-five minutes of the interview, Emmanuel Macron’s name is not mentioned once. And as if doubts could have arisen, Michel Barnier specifies: “He is a President of the Republic, that’s why I respect him. » Certainly, the moment he lives with the Head of State is not a “cohabitation », he admits, but “There is a very special atmosphere” with this National Assembly “where the deputies shout”.
Head of a government without a majority
“We’re getting ch…” He had heard it the day before in the ranks of La France insoumise, when he announced his general policy declaration (DPG), at the Bourbon Palace. To this uproar and this vulgarity, the septuagenarian had opposed courtesy and stoicism. “I told Mr.me panot [présidente des députés “insoumis”] I don’t understand why you are so aggressive, why you shout, why you personally attack the head of state. There is no need for that. “I hear you, I hear you”he repeated on Thursday, calling the French as witnesses.
Head of a government without a majority, Matignon’s tenant has on his team members of his political family, Les Républicains (LR), and representatives of the presidential camp, from Renaissance, MoDem or Horizons. a base “minority”recognizes, but less minority » that the base of the left and extreme right defends itself. “This base gives me legitimacy,” he insists.
In this team that, according to the Government spokesperson, Maud Bregeon, does not reflect “the only thought », Opinions diverge and resentments arise. A few hours earlier, former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who hoped to have a place in the new government, complained about the tax increases announced during the DPG. “At the moment, the announced budget seems unacceptable to me.” warns the elected official of Tourcoing, in France Info.
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