The announcement of the name of France’s new prime minister, which was expected to be made last night, has been postponed until Friday morning, the Elysee Palace announced.

Emmanuel Macron said two days ago that he wants to appoint Michel Barnier’s successor within the next 48 hours.

The new government will replace that of Barnier, who was voted down last week by parliament, plunging France into its second major political crisis in six months.

France’s political crisis stems from its growing budget deficit, which stands at 6.1% – up from 5.5% last year and above the 4.4% forecast for the end of 2024. Macron’s office said the law for the 2025 budget will allow the French state to continue operating will be discussed in December.

In the end, choosing a new prime minister turned out to be even more difficult than expected.

“They are blocked there are reactions to every name” a source close to President Macron told French media, noting that the president could “surprise everyone” with an unexpected prime ministerial choice.