By Paul de Neuville, Paris correspondent, for Eurasia Business News, September 21, 2024. Article No 1236.

France has a new government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, after a prolonged period of political deadlock following the fragmented legislative elections earlier this year.

More than three months after the dissolution of the National Assembly decided by Emmanuel Macron, France will finally have a new government. The members of Michel Barnier’s team were announced on 21 September. “Let’s get to work,” said the Prime Minister, while the opposition denounces a “hard right” government that has “no future”. Follow our live dedicated to their appointment.

The final cabinet lineup was confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday evening in Paris.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier has reached an agreement with centrist and conservative lawmakers to form his government. This follows extensive negotiations aimed at addressing the political fragmentation in the National Assembly, where no party holds a clear majority.

 The proposed cabinet includes significant appointments:

  • Interior Minister: Bruno Retailleau, a prominent figure from the right-wing Republicans. The senator from Vendée was approached for the position, Laurent Wauquiez having also announced on Friday before LR deputies that he would not return to the government, because he had not obtained the Ministry of the Interior, for which Mr. Retailleau was chosen.
  • Foreign Affairs Minister: Jean-Noel Barrot, an economist who was previously the Secretary of State for European Affairs.
  • Defence Minister: Sébastien Lecornu keeps his position.
  • Finance Ministry: Antoine Armand takes over the critical role of Finance Ministry.
  • Minister Delegate for Industry : Marc Ferracci, a close friend of Emmanuel Macron, appointed Minister Delegate for Industry.

The new government comes after a hung parliament situation, where various factions, including left-wing alliances and the far-right National Rally, have complicated governance. Barnier’s appointment as Prime Minister was met with mixed reactions due to his conservative background and previous role as the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator.

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Michel Barnier has indicated that the government will need to act swiftly, particularly regarding France’s dramatic financial challenges, hinting at potential tax increases to address budgetary issues. 

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The cabinet’s formation marks a significant shift towards a more right-leaning administration compared to its centrist predecessor.As the situation develops, all eyes are on Macron’s final approval of the cabinet, which will set the tone for France’s political landscape moving forward.

Michel Barnier was appointed Prime Minister on September 5 by president Emmanuel Macron. Aged 73, the latter was minister several times, during the presidencies of Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy.

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© Copyright 2024 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1236