France – Yesterday, the Élysée organized an early telephone meeting between Emmanuel Macron, Gérard Larcher, president of the Senate, Laurent Wauquiez, head of the Les Républicains group of deputies, and Bruno Retailleau, leader of the left-wing senators. This discussion is part of the negotiations concerning the appointment of the future Prime Minister. “French Government”
According to French media, Emmanuel Macron now seems to favor Xavier Bertrand for the post of Prime Minister, rather than Bernard Cazeneuve. Macron believes that Cazeneuve does not meet two essential criteria. First, he does not have the support of his political family, which could make him vulnerable to criticism. Second, Cazeneuve wants to return to pension reform, a position that Macron firmly rejects. Hence the current preference for Xavier Bertrand, despite the sometimes complicated relations between the two men.
Gérard Larcher, Laurent Wauquiez, and Bruno Retailleau unanimously affirmed that the appointment of the Prime Minister falls within the competence of the President of the Republic. However, they would not veto the nomination of Xavier Bertrand, a member of the Republicans, to Matignon.
Xavier Bertrand has recently distinguished himself by his positions in favor of the defense of relations between France and Algeria. He strongly criticized the president of his party, Éric Ciotti, for his remarks considered racist towards Algeria. Bertrand denounced these remarks as being in contradiction with the historical values and principles of the Republicans. He said: “I strongly condemn this tweet which reflects neither the values nor the history of the Republicans. No electoral calculation can justify insulting a country and its people, despite the disagreements we may have. »
Criticism of Olivier Faure’s Statements
In addition, Bertrand also reacted to the statements of the leader of the French Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, concerning the restitution of property resulting from colonization. Faure had suggested that these subjects were being used to arouse hatred, which Bertrand firmly rejected.
The appointment of Xavier Bertrand as head of the French government could therefore be accompanied by a more balanced policy respectful of Franco-Algerian relations while reassessing political positions on historical and memorial issues.
