France Unveils New Government Under Prime Minister Francois Bayrou amid Political Turmoil
In a strategic move to stabilize the country, President Emmanuel Macron has appointed a new government, marking the appointment of his fourth prime minister of the year, Francois Bayrou. This reshuffled cabinet, announced on Monday, aims to navigate the challenges facing France as it grapples with a mounting debt crisis and the urgent passage of the 2025 budget.
Bayrou faces a daunting task in the wake of months of political deadlock and increasing pressure from financial markets. The announcement, made by Macron’s chief of staff Alexis Kohler, highlights a team composed of experienced former ministers and senior civil servants. Key figures in the new government include Eric Lombard as finance minister, alongside Amelie de Montchalin as budget minister. Conservative Bruno Retailleau continues to serve as interior minister, while Jean-Noel Barrot retains the foreign affairs portfolio.
Elisabeth Borne returns to the government as education minister after her stint as prime minister earlier this year. Former interior minister Gerard Darmanin now heads the Ministry of Justice, reflecting Macron’s strategy to draw upon seasoned leaders. Bayrou’s priority is clear: he must ensure his government withstands any potential no-confidence votes from both far-right and left factions while expediting the budget process.
This appointment comes as France observes a day of mourning for victims of a recent cyclone in Mayotte, an overseas territory. Bayrou, leader of the centrist MoDem party allied with Macron, has been under scrutiny, with many analysts questioning the longevity of his government. The recent political gambit by Macron to hold snap elections resulted in a fractured parliament, complicating the path forward for his administration.
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