Barnier vows to defend key Macron policies

(Patria) - New French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has pledged to work independently of President Emmanuel Macron, but has signaled he will defend some of the president's key policies, while simultaneously toughening the government's stance on immigration.

In his first interview as prime minister since his appointment, he announced that his government, which lacks a clear majority in the lower house of parliament, would include conservatives as well as members of Macron's camp.

- Members of other groups, including the left, are welcome in the new government. There are no red lines. We must open the door to everyone who wants to - Barnier said, Hina reports.

Macron appointed the 73-year-old conservative and former EU Brexit negotiator as prime minister on Thursday, ending a two-month stalemate after Macron's miscalculated decision to call parliamentary elections that resulted in a parliament without a clear majority.

Barnier faces the challenging task of implementing reforms and passing the 2025 budget in a divided parliament, while France is under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit.

Showing a willingness to support some of Macron's highly unpopular reform policies, which likely involve taking political risks, Barnier says he is not prepared to repeal the increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64.

- We must not question a law that was passed in very difficult circumstances - he said, adding that he is ready to adapt policies to better protect the most vulnerable.

The left-wing New Popular Front and the far-right National Rally (RN), which together have a majority and could oust the prime minister with a vote of no confidence if they decide to cooperate, have overwhelmingly campaigned against this reform.

In what can be interpreted as a shift to the right on some issues, Barnier said he would implement stricter immigration control policies.

- There is still a feeling that our borders are porous and that migratory flows are not controlled. I don't have much in common with the ideologies of the National Rally, but I respect them - Barnier said.

The RN cautiously supported Barnier's nomination, saying they would not try to bring him down immediately, but made it clear they would withdraw their support at any time if their concerns about migration, security, and economic issues were not respected.

Left-wing parties have called for protests over the weekend against the "stolen elections", due to Macron's decision not to appoint a prime minister from their ranks, despite these parties winning the largest number of votes.