(Adnkronos) – Emmanuel Macron wants to proceed quickly with the appointment of a new prime minister after the probable fall of the French government on Monday. Sources quoted by ‘Politico’ reveal this. The apparent goal is to find François Bayrou’s replacement before September 18, the date on which many of the country’s main unions plan to strike. There is also talk of a nationwide business shutdown on September 10, but according to sources cited by the newspaper, Macron’s office does not foresee a massive turnout for that date, although potential episodes of violence are expected.
The strike on the 18th, however, could paralyze French transport networks, involving the unions of railway workers, air traffic controllers and Air France staff. Civil servants, including teachers, are also expected to participate in the pickets.
“The real problem (for Emmanuel Macron’s staff) is whether it will continue on the 19th or 20th,” said one of the sources. “They are going crazy, they are calling everywhere to find out how things are going.” A minister quoted by Politico openly stated that the government needs a new prime minister in office by the date of those strikes, so “someone can deal with the unions on September 18.”
Bayrou’s minority government seems destined to fall in a vote of confidence on Monday on its plans which foresee cuts of 43.8 billion euros from next year’s budget, necessary according to the prime minister to reduce the huge French deficit.
