Barnier's Appointment as France's Prime Minister Could Threaten Ukraine

The appointment of former European Commissioner Michel Barnier as France’s Prime Minister suggests that President Emmanuel Macron has had to come to terms with Marine Le Pen's "National Rally" party, writes the American magazine Responsible Statecraft.

According to Responsible Statecraft, Macron's decision could pose a threat to the country amid rising "disorder," which would "disrupt support for Ukraine."

"Macron's departure from dealing with the left suggests that he has had to reach an agreement with his ... worst enemy, Marine Le Pen," the report states.

Responsible Statecraft believes that Barnier has become dependent on the "National Rally," without whose support a vote of no confidence is expected for the Prime Minister from the left. As a result, Le Pen, who is against active support for Kyiv, will have the opportunity to set her own conditions for the French authorities, the publication continues.

It also emphasizes that appointing the Prime Minister from a parliamentary party lacking popularity—the Republicans—will undermine French citizens' trust in Macron and all decisions made by the new cabinet, including support for Ukraine.

"Aid to Kyiv could become the first casualty of the President of France’s decision to appoint a Prime Minister," the article states.

It is worth noting that the left-wing coalition "Nouveau Populaire Écologique et Social," which won the parliamentary elections, reached an agreement on a unified candidate for Prime Minister, but Macron rejected Lucie Casté's candidacy after consultations. Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new head of the French government.