French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new government on Monday evening, led by Francois Bayrou, his fourth prime minister this year, as he seeks to resolve the political crisis in France, the second-largest economy in the EU.
Macron appointed former prime minister Elisabeth Borne as the education minister in the new cabinet under Bayrou. Another former prime minister, Manuel Valls, returned as the overseas territories minister, while former interior minister Gerald Darmanin became the justice minister. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot both kept their positions.
Conservative Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is focused on cracking down on illegal immigration, also stayed in his role. Eric Lombard, the new economy minister, has the difficult task of presenting next year’s budget.
The inclusion of two former prime ministers shows Macron’s aim for a strong, stable government, hoping to avoid the fate of Bayrouβs predecessor, Michel Barnier. Bayrou’s main goals are to ensure the government survives a no-confidence vote and passes a cost-cutting budget for 2025.
Valls’ return as overseas territories minister is seen as important, especially after the criticism of the government’s handling of a deadly cyclone in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. Darmanin, despite wanting the foreign minister role, was given justice instead after long discussions.
The announcement came as France observed a day of mourning for the victims of the cyclone in Mayotte. Bayrou, the leader of the centrist MoDem group allied with Macron’s party, was appointed on December 13, but many predict he will face challenges in maintaining his position.
Macron’s political troubles started after calling for snap elections this summer to strengthen his authority. The elections backfired, leaving France with a fractured parliament.
