France’s new prime minister is facing a plot to oust her from office, orchestrated by a handful of subordinate men known as the “Crocodiles,” according to local media.
The men in question, dubbed the “four crocodiles” by a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s inner circle, are said to be unimpressed by Ms Bourne’s leftism and her reputation as a technocrat with little campaigning experience.
They include François Bayroux, the veteran centrist and leader of the Democratic Movement (Modem Party), Interior Minister Gérald Darmanen, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
“The times demand that the prime minister be political” and not “technical,” Bayrou, whose party is part of Macron’s coalition, told France Inter radio of the new prime minister late last month.
Even more categorically, he added that the country needs “a strong government with a prime minister who fulfills his duties as head of government.”
Mr Bairu’s comments, for which he was summoned to Ms Bourne’s office the next day, came as she prepared for a much-anticipated policy speech – her first since being appointed prime minister in May – to the National Assembly at the start of on July.
Ms Bourne passed an all-important test when she delivered the speech last week and received mostly positive reviews.
However, for the so-called “crocodiles”, there is still a target on Ms Bourne’s back.
Last month, Mr Philip hinted that Ms Bourne should step down after the party lost its absolute majority in parliament. In an interview shortly after the election, he suggested he had suggested the prime minister “fully accepts the consequences of the results” of the general election, adding that he was open to the idea of ”finding new people” to take control.
Meanwhile, for Mr Le Maire and Mr Darmanin, their displeasure with Ms Borne is more personal.
Politico revealed last week that Ms Bourne had tried and failed to oust Mr Darmanin as part of a government shake-up.
Her relationship with Mr Le Maire – who has been economy minister since 2017 – has reportedly been strained for years, with Ms Borne previously accusing him of overstepping his authority by meddling in affairs of other ministries.
All four are expected to run for president in the 2027 election.
While French media reported that Ms Bourne could count on their continued efforts to “make her life difficult”, others came to her defence, calling the tension “counterproductive”.
“We cannot afford the luxury of division,” said centrist lawmaker Sasha Houllier.
Clément Bon, the newly appointed transport minister, also expressed support for Ms Bourne following Mr Bayrou’s negative comments last month.
“The necessary political profile,” he argued, “is Ms Bourne’s”.
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