Can New Premier Bayrou Survive France’s Perilous Politics?

Francois Bayrou, France’s prime minister, speaks at the National Assembly in Paris on Dec. 17, 2024.Source: Bloomberg
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France’s lower house of parliament toppled the government for the first time in more than 60 years in early December, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to cast around for a prime minister who could navigate the country’s bitterly divided political landscape.

Macron opted for centrist figure Francois Bayrou, a veteran lawmaker with a track record of striking alliances and forging compromises with both Socialists and conservatives.