French Government Resigns, New Leader Coming Soon

PARIS — The French government is entering a challenging transition period as President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his cabinet on Tuesday. The Elysée Palace announced that the outgoing administration will serve as a caretaker government until a new prime minister is appointed. Macron has called on "all Republican forces" to reach a consensus quickly to minimize the duration of this transition, which historically has not exceeded nine days. The political landscape in France is increasingly fragmented, complicating the selection of a new prime minister and cabinet. The left-wing New Popular Front coalition recently won a snap election but lacks an absolute majority in the National Assembly, leading to internal disagreements about potential candidates for the prime ministerial role. This uncertainty raises questions about the future governance structure and the opposition's position. As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach in just ten days, certain cabinet members, particularly those overseeing sports and interior affairs, will need to remain focused on their responsibilities. The transition period also brings concerns regarding the government's budget law for the upcoming year, which is typically discussed in the fall and must be finalized by the end of 2024. Additionally, the European Commission has initiated an excessive deficit procedure against France, requiring the government to present a plan for spending cuts in the coming months. Outgoing Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire indicated that while options will be prepared for the next government, the final decisions will rest with them, highlighting the urgency of addressing France's fiscal challenges.