Emmanuel Macron unveils new French government led by PM Francois Bayrou

Bayrou, 73, who leads the centrist MoDem group allied with Macron’s party, was chosen on December 13 to replace former Prime Minister Michel Barnier, whose government collapsed following disagreements over budget reforms.

The government includes experienced figures, such as Éric Lombard, 66, head of Caisse des Dépôts, as Finance Minister, and Amélie de Montchalin as Budget Minister.

Two former prime ministers were also appointed: Élisabeth Borne, 63, as Education Minister, and Manuel Valls, 62, as Overseas Territories Minister. Key ministers like Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot retained their positions. Former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin now serves as Justice Minister.

The appointments reflect Macron’s effort to form a “heavyweight” government capable of navigating the crisis and ensuring stability. However, Bayrou faces immediate challenges, including preventing no-confidence votes from the far-right and far-left and pushing through cost-cutting budget plans.

Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, criticised the new government as “a provocation,” adding that it was “extreme right under the watchful eye of the extreme right”, DW reported. Meanwhile, left-wing parties have expressed disappointment after talks with Bayrou.

France has been in political turmoil since Macron’s decision to hold snap elections earlier this year. The election resulted in a fractured parliament with no majority, leaving the country in a deadlock.

Economically, France is struggling with soaring debt and a large budget deficit. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has predicted Macron’s resignation, telling Le Parisien: “I am preparing for an early presidential election,” reported Al Jazeera.

The new government was announced as France observed a day of mourning for victims of a cyclone in Mayotte, the country’s poorest overseas territory. Bayrou’s success remains uncertain, with many analysts predicting further instability in the months ahead.

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