French President Emmanuel Macron has firmly stated he will not step down despite mounting pressure from opposition parties.
In a televised address, Macron assured the nation he intends to remain in office until his term ends. He also announced plans to reveal the name of France’s new prime minister in the coming days.
Amid speculation, French media have highlighted several potential candidates for the role. Among the frontrunners is Sébastien Lecornu, 38, who served as the defense minister under the Barnier government and played a key role in arms support for Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war. However, rumors of his alleged secret meetings with Macron’s rivals have drawn media attention, though Lecornu has denied the claims.
François Bayrou, 73, a seasoned political figure and former justice minister, is another contender. Bernard Cazeneuve, 61, who served as France’s interior minister during the 2015 Paris attacks and has ties to the Socialist Party, also being considered as way to build bridges with Socialist lawmakers.
Xavier Bertrand, 58, strong center-right leader and governor of Hauts-de-France, has also resurfaced as a potential choice despite being overlooked during the 2022 elections. Lastly, François Baroin, former finance minister and Barclays France chairman, is in the spotlight. Baroin, 58, brings extensive experience, having served as mayor of Troyes since 1995 and as finance minister during the 2012 European financial crisis.
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Macron’s declaration comes after Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation, with opposition parties urging the president to step down as well. Despite the political turmoil, Macron remains steadfast, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his presidential term.
