Emmanuel Macron is considering Xavier Bertrand, LR president of Hauts-de-France, for prime minister replacing Michel Barnier. Les Républicains have softened their position under pressure, fearing immediate censure of a party candidate. Bertrand expresses readiness to support the new government without bitterness.
Emmanuel Macron's camp is exploring Xavier Bertrand, LR president of Hauts-de-France, as an anti-RN and PS-compatible profile for Matignon. This idea is not new: the head of state seriously considered appointing the LR leader a year ago but backed down due to pressure from Marine Le Pen.
Today, Les Républicains, facing the risk of government instability, have accepted the notion of a government led by Bertrand. The party fears an immediate no-confidence vote against an internal candidate. This softening highlights internal right-wing tensions, where Bertrand is sometimes viewed as LR's preferred 'whipping boy' of the week.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Bertrand stated he has 'no bitterness' and wants to 'help the success of the new government'. He added: 'No one should expect anything from Marine Le Pen.' Tipped to replace Michel Barnier, he represents a pragmatic choice in a tense political context, as Macron seeks to stabilize his executive amid current challenges.