The appointment of François Bayrou as France’s new Prime Minister highlights the formidable challenges facing the country as it struggles with political gridlock, economic uncertainty, and public discontent. President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to tap Mr Bayrou ~ a seasoned centrist with decades of political experience ~ signals a cautious yet pragmatic approach to resolving France’s deepening crisis. However, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles, with Mr Bayrou’s ability to navigate a fractured Parliament likely to define both his tenure and Mr Macron’s legacy. Mr Bayrou assumes office in the midst of an unprecedented political landscape.

The Parliamentary defeat of his predecessor, Michel Barnier, underscored the fragility of Mr Macron’s administration and the growing polarisation within French politics. With Parliament split into three blocs ~ far left, far right, and Mr Macron’s centrists ~ reaching any form of consensus........

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