News Digest: Macron Begins Search for New French Prime Minister & the Perfect Xmas Gift for Francophones

We sent out last week’s newsletter awaiting the results of a vote of no-confidence against French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, and as you are probably aware by now, the results weren’t good for Barnier’s government. As of last Wednesday, 4th December, Michel Barnier became the first prime minister to be brought down by such a vote since 1962, marking the worst governmental crisis since the start of the Fifth Republic. While the inevitable calls were made by the opposition for Macron to resign, the French President stood his ground in a somewhat scathing speech on Thursday evening, in which he clearly stated that he would not be stepping down and called out the “anti-republican front” responsible for the vote of no-confidence, insisted that he would not shoulder the blame of their actions.

So, what happens now? Well, following the vote, Barnier dutifully handed in his resignation the next day, spelling the end of his government – after merely 91 days in office. The PM and his ministers will continue as a caretaker government until a new Prime Minister is appointed. This task falls to Macron, who has promised to appoint a new Prime Minister by mid-December – a date that is fast approaching. Further legislative elections can’t be held until next year (12 months after the last elections).

Whoever Macron decides to appoint, their first task will be no easy one – to attempt to pass the 2025 budget that brought down Barnier. Currently, just weeks from the end of the year, France has no budget for 2025 and a spiralling debt crisis that desperately needs attention. The most likely circumstance is that the 2024 budget will be carried over, but not only would this leave the debt crisis unanswered, but it would also result in some 3 million people paying higher taxes – as the tax bands would not be adjusted for inflation. Macron has promised that a new budget will be the highest priority, but the reality is that it will still take several months of the new year and there is no guarantee that the new Prime Minister will not encounter the exact same problem as Barnier.  

In the aftermath of the political crisis, there was also a reason for national pride this weekend, as the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors for the first time since it was devastated by a fire back in 2019. The grand opening ceremony was attended by some 40 world leaders, including US President-Elect Donald Trump, current first lady Jill Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The first mass, led by Paris archbishop Laurent Ulrich, was also attended by hundreds of religious leaders, and his opening speech also included a nod to the country’s current political crisis, as he “prayed also for our country that is looking to the future with worry.”

Currently, visits to the cathedral are for ticket holders only, and although tickets are free, they must be reserved in advance. Tickets for the first week have already sold out, but you can now reserve for the upcoming weeks here.

Good news for French residents looking to renovate their property in 2025. Among the last decrees published by the French government prior to its collapse last week was one concerning the MaPrimeRénov scheme, which issues government grants to those carrying out renovations to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

MaPrimeRénov will be continued through 2025 with just a few changes. It will remain available for all homes, including those with an “F” or “G” energy rating, but the amount of aid available will fall for all eligible income brackets to reflect the inevitable budgetary cuts. For the lowest-income households, this will be reduced to 50% from the current 70%, while subsidies for wood and biomass heating systems will be reduced by 30%.

France’s Property Renovation Grants or MaPrimeRénov: What Changes in 2025?

A final reminder for French second-home owners – the final deadline to pay your taxe d’habitation is this Saturday, 15th December, and you can make the payment online via your personal space at impots.gouv.fr.

5. Last chance to order our France Calendar

 If you’re looking for a France-themed gift to treat the francophones in your life or hang up in your second home, our FRANCE 2025 Calendar is available to order now. With 14 glossy photographs whisking you to all corners of La Belle France, it’s the perfect way to travel from the comfort of your own home. With bilingual days in French/English, it’s a great way to brush up on your French, plus it’s packed with interesting French history facts and all the key dates of French public holidays, fêtes, and saints’ days.