Macron Retains Caretaker Government Ahead of Paris Olympics

Macron’s Decision to Maintain Caretaker Government Amid Olympic Preparations

French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a recent television interview that he would retain a centrist caretaker government through the upcoming Olympics, emphasizing the need to maintain order and stability during this crucial period. This decision came in the wake of a last-minute nomination of a prime minister by the leftist coalition that emerged as the largest political group in the recent parliamentary elections.

In his widely anticipated address, Macron stated that the current government, which had previously resigned to take on a purely caretaker role, would be responsible for managing affairs in the lead-up to the Olympic Games, which are set to take place in Paris and various other locations in France until August 11. He remarked, “Until mid-August, we’re not in a position to be able to change things because it would prompt disorder. I have chosen stability to safeguard the Games,” which are expected to attract approximately 10,500 athletes and millions of spectators from around the globe.

Leaders from the leftist coalition quickly criticized Macron’s reluctance to consider their candidate for prime minister. They had previously selected the relatively unknown civil servant Lucie Castets for the role just before Macron’s televised interview. There is currently no established timeline for when Macron is required to appoint a new prime minister, following legislative elections that resulted in a fragmented National Assembly, leaving no single political bloc in a position of dominance for the first time in France’s modern Republic.

When asked about the leftist coalition’s nomination, Macron responded, “The issue is not a name provided by a political group,” underscoring the necessity for a parliamentary majority behind any candidate to effectively “pass reforms, pass a budget, and move the country forward.” He also expressed a desire to form a new government promptly, but acknowledged that “Obviously, until mid-August, we need to be focused on the Games.”

Prior to Macron’s interview, the leftist coalition appeared to act swiftly in proposing Castets as their candidate. In a post on social media platform X, Castets expressed her acceptance of the nomination, stating, “It is with great humility but also great conviction” that she takes on this responsibility.

At just 37 years old, Castets is a senior civil servant with an impressive educational background, having graduated from France’s prestigious Sciences Po, the École Nationale d’Administration, and the London School of Economics. Her previous roles include working at the General Directorate of the Treasury and at Tracfin, the Finance Ministry’s unit focused on anti-money laundering. The New Popular Front, the coalition that nominated her, describes Castets as “a leader of associative struggles for the defense and promotion of public services,” highlighting her active involvement in opposing the proposal to raise the retirement age to 64 years and her commitment to tackling tax fraud and financial crime.