Emmanuel Macron and Michel Barnier: Behind the scenes of their already tense relations at the top of the State

31 janvier 2020 : Emmanuel Macron reçoit Michel Barnier, alors chargé de la conduite des négociations sur les relations futures avec le Royaume-Uni. MAXPPP – POOL/Stephane Lemouton /MAXPPP

Indiscrétions peu flatteuses, exigences sur le gouvernement, nomination du commissaire européen… entre le Président et son Premier ministre, les premiers signes d’un rapport de force.

Emmanuel Macron probably didn't slip in this word by chance.

In Michel Barnier's nomination letter made public on September 5, the President wanted to specify that the Prime Minister was responsible for “forming a unifying government”.

This term suggests that the head of state has demands. In recent days, it is therefore around this notion of unifying that relations between the two men have hardened. They met twice between Tuesday and Wednesday, two meetings during which a list of future ministers was presented to the head of state who judged it "monocolor".

Unflattering indiscretions

"This is not the idea I have of a government of national unity", the head of state would have reacted in substance, adding to the attention of his Prime Minister: "You were able to negotiate with the English for Brexit, it is not two or three political parties that will slow you down”.

Unflattering indiscretions for the tenant of Matignon, which are intended to show who is the boss. And he still lives at the Élysée. Another indication of Emmanuel Macron's determination not to give up: the appointment of a new European Commissioner following the departure of Thierry Breton.

While Matignon had just assured by way of a press release that a consultation would take place with the Élysée, the Château announced the name of Stéphane Séjourné. Showing that there would be no consultation and that by choosing a close friend to occupy this position, the tenant of the Elysée intends to keep control.

Tensions will not have waited

The relations between Emmanuel Macron and his Prime Ministers, except Jean Castex, have never been simple. With Édouard Philippe, the standoff lasted for months, as well as with Élisabeth Borne. Concerning Gabriel Attal, it is reasonable to speak of open war.

But this time, the tensions arrive much earlier. If it were necessary to demonstrate that Michel Barnier is indeed an opposition Prime Minister, the Élysée would not go about it any differently.

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