Macron will name new prime minister on Friday

French President Emmanuel Macron has missed a self-imposed 48-hour deadline to appoint a new prime minister, and will present a name on Friday.

Macron had told the leaders of several political parties on Tuesday that he would name a premier within 48 hours to succeed Michel Barnier, whose government was toppled last week.

However, the Élysée told reporters on Thursday that a new prime minister would be named Friday morning.

In a bid to ensure the next head of government lasts longer than Barnier, Macron has tried to seek a compromise with opposition forces in France’s fractured legislature.

The leading candidates mentioned in French media both come from Macron’s camp — former Industry Minister Roland Lescure and centrist grandee François Bayrou.

It isn’t clear, however, how a new prime minister allied with Macron, whose allies do not hold a majority in parliament, would be able to shore up enough support to stay in place.