President Emmanuel Macron is set to appoint France's sixth prime minister today, following a deadlock over selecting a successor to Michel Barnier, who was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote on December 4. Despite expectations for an earlier announcement, Macron delayed the decision after failing to meet a 48-hour deadline during talks with party leaders. 

The new prime minister will face immediate challenges, including passing a budget in a deeply divided parliament. Macron's previous prime ministers have served increasingly brief tenures, and no candidate has emerged without opposition. Rumored contenders include centrist François Bayrou, former Socialist Bernard Cazeneuve, Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. However, the public is growing frustrated with the political crisis, with many calling for fresh leadership.

Polls show a lack of confidence in politicians' ability to form a stable government, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen continues to gain ground, benefiting from the chaos surrounding the government. Meanwhile, Macron’s search for a unifying figure continues, with the appointment expected in a written statement soon.