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At long last, after many months, France’s (and Macron’s) quest to find a suitable prime minister candidate is over. To the uproar of the left-wing alliance, the name comes from the right, a move that has led figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon to (predictably) call for ample protests and a new series of ideological riots. But just how right-wing is Michel Barnier, the man of the hour, one might ask?
Leaving philological curiosity aside, the answer might determine if he will be able to govern or not. In order to not be taken down he will need the vote of an extremely divided parliament as soon as a no-confidence motion comes into question. A “no” from the left is a guarantee, but the hard-right National Rally is still thinking things through. Representatives of the party have stated that they are not starting from a direct refusal, but rather waiting to hear from the man himself how he currently stands on policy in order to decide. Of course, the possibility of Mr. Barnier pandering more to them in his rhetoric is high, but will he back it up with strong decisions as well? Some answers to these questions could come from looking at his political record. So without further ado, just how conservative is Michel Barnier?
A prominent French politician and diplomat, Barnier is widely known for his role as the European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator from 2016 to 2021. But he is also a figure that has been deeply entrenched in French politics for decades, and, as such, Barnier’s political ideology and leanings have evolved throughout his career. Traditionally associated with the center-right in French politics, particularly through his affiliation with the Gaullist party Les Républicains (LR), Barnier has been viewed as a conservative politician, though his conservatism is nuanced and multifaceted. To understand “how conservative” Michel Barnier is, one must examine his political career, his policy positions, and his stance on key social, economic, and international issues.
Brief History
Barnier’s political career began in the 1970s, when he was associated with the Gaullist movement, a broad right-wing tradition in France shaped by Charles de Gaulle’s legacy. Gaullism is known for its nationalistic, socially conservative, and soft Euroskeptic leanings, although it has also supported state intervention in the economy and promoted social solidarity. Barnier’s association with this movement marked the beginning of his journey as a politician who would embody elements of both conservatism and pragmatism.
As a member of the Gaullist movement, Barnier’s conservatism can be seen in his commitment to the principles of national sovereignty and defense of French interests, both of which are central to conservative thought in France. However, Barnier’s brand of conservatism has been less radical and more moderate than that of other figures on the French right. Over time, his approach to issues like the European Union, globalization, and economic policy has shown a willingness to adapt to new political realities, suggesting that while Barnier is conservative, he is not dogmatically so.
A Conservative Minister?
As a member of several French governments, including stints as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of the Environment, Barnier has advocated for pro-business policies, labor market reforms, and reducing the public deficit. But when Barnier found himself in the role of European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services (2010–2014), he was responsible for overseeing financial services regulation in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. He supported the creation of stringent regulations on banks and financial institutions, including greater oversight and regulation of financial markets to prevent another crisis. Flip-flopping or pragmatism? That is for the voter to decide.
Another area where Barnier’s conservatism came into question, particularly from more nationalist and Euroskeptic factions, was his relationship with the European Union. In contrast to more hardline conservatives like Marine Le Pen of the National Rally (RN), who advocate for a return to greater national sovereignty and a reduction in EU powers, Barnier has supported the idea of a united Europe that works together to tackle common challenges. During the Brexit negotiations, Barnier’s approach was to defend the EU’s unity and integrity, seeking to ensure that the UK’s departure would not weaken the European project. His defense of EU values and institutions highlights his belief in the importance of supranational cooperation, placing him slightly at odds with some of those who will have to offer their tacit support in order for his government to exist.
The Moderate’s Path
However, Barnier has also recognized the need for reforms within the EU, especially regarding issues of immigration and governance. In recent years, Barnier has adopted a more critical tone towards the EU’s handling of certain issues, calling for a “moratorium” on immigration and greater border controls, which aligns with more conservative concerns about sovereignty and security. While Barnier’s belief in the EU remains strong, his call for reforms reflects a more cautious and conservative approach, particularly in light of rising Euroskeptic sentiments on the continent. For contrast, the National Rally called for a near-total halt to immigration, stricter border controls, and the expulsion of undocumented immigrants, promoting a form of “cultural nationalism,” arguing that France’s identity is being eroded by multiculturalism and the presence of foreign-born populations, even some from inside the EU Bloc (such as Eastern Europeans).
On social issues like family values and traditional institutions, Barnier has generally taken a conservative stance, although he has not been as vocal or radical on these matters as some of his peers. He has largely supported traditional family structures and has been critical of certain progressive social movements, though these issues have not been central to his political identity.
Barnier’s foreign policy positions are closely aligned with traditional French diplomacy, which emphasizes multilateralism and France’s leadership role in the European Union. He supports France’s involvement in international organizations like NATO and the UN, and he advocates for a strong EU foreign policy. Barnier is a proponent of using diplomacy and international cooperation to address global challenges such as security or trade. It is still unclear how these factors will look in the eyes of a changing National Rally (RN), that, again, Barnier seeks a non-combat from. Le Pen’s foreign policy was far more isolationist and nationalistic. She was skeptical of international organizations like the EU and NATO and has advocated for a more independent French foreign policy that is less reliant on alliances. Moreover, she supported a closer relationship with Russia and has been critical of Western military interventions. But the times are changing, and the National Rally seems to be courting the mainstream vote.
To Conclude…
Michel Barnier is undoubtedly a conservative politician, but his conservatism is marked by a strong sense of pragmatism, opportunity, and moderation. His Gaullist roots and commitment to national sovereignty place him firmly within the French conservative tradition, while his support for European integration and willingness to embrace regulation in certain economic areas suggest that he is not rigid, nor does he place ideology above all else. Instead, Barnier’s career reflects a realistic approach to politics, one that seeks to balance traditional conservative values with the need for collaboration with different-minded entities. We shall see if this ability to compromise will lead to a lasting French government or to a renewed political crisis.