As a sign that this is a top priority, Barnier appointed as head of cabinet Jérôme Fournel, who has been the top official in charge of the budget at the finance ministry and the head of cabinet of outgoing Finance Minister Le Maire. Fournel was chosen “to address the budget situation and the future European negotiations,” Barnier’s office said.
In the past, Barnier has advocated for spending cuts to bring public finances in order. But that’s easier said than done.
Both the far left and the far right in the French National Assembly have repeatedly opposed spending cuts. And the survival of Barnier’s government depends on the tacit endorsement of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, which, like the leftist camp, has recently advocated for costly measures that would worsen France’s debt.
Barnier’s fans are confident that he could do the dirty job and resist pressure from pro-spending parties.
France’s Yon-Courtin, who used to be part of Barnier’s Les Républicains before joining Macron’s ranks, made a parallel between Barnier and Mario Monti, the former European commissioner who was named Italian prime minister in 2011 to clean up Italy’s disastrous budget.
But in Brussels not everyone is convinced.
“By nominating Barnier, Macron has made himself beholden to the far right,” which opposes budget cuts, warned an EU diplomat, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly on the political situation of another country. “Europe is worried about that.”
Gregorio Sorgi contributed reporting.
