Tuesday, December 24, 2024 - French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new government on Monday evening, naming Francois Bayrou as his fourth prime minister this year in an effort to steer the country out of its ongoing political crisis. The announcement follows months of turmoil in France’s second-largest EU economy, marked by parliamentary deadlock and contentious governance challenges.
The new cabinet sees former prime minister Elisabeth Borne taking on the
role of education minister, while another ex-premier, Manuel Valls, makes an
unexpected return as minister for overseas territories. Valls’ appointment
underscores the importance of the role after authorities faced criticism over
their handling of a deadly cyclone in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas
territory, which claimed at least 35 lives.
Gerald Darmanin, previously interior minister, was appointed justice
minister, despite his long-standing ambitions to helm the foreign ministry.
Current Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel
Barrot retained their posts, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a
conservative known for his hardline stance on illegal immigration, also stayed
in his position.
The crucial task of delivering next year’s budget falls to Eric Lombard,
the newly appointed economy minister. His role is pivotal as the government
aims to secure parliamentary approval for a cost-cutting budget for 2025, a
major hurdle given the fractured state of the legislature.
Bayrou’s cabinet reflects Macron’s strategy to assemble a government
with political heavyweights to ensure stability and avoid the fate of Bayrou’s
predecessor, Michel Barnier, whose tenure ended prematurely. The inclusion of
two former prime ministers indicates a focus on leveraging experience to
navigate the country’s political impasse.
Bayrou, 73, leader of the centrist MoDem group allied with Macron’s
party, was appointed on December 13. His immediate challenges include surviving
a likely no-confidence vote and pushing through a contentious budget plan.
France’s current political crisis stems from Macron’s gamble on snap
elections earlier this year. The strategy, aimed at consolidating his
authority, backfired when voters returned a fragmented parliament split among
three rival blocs. As a result, Macron has struggled to push through his
legislative agenda, further intensifying political instability.
The announcement of the new government coincided
with a national day of mourning for victims of the Mayotte cyclone, reflecting
the dual pressures of domestic challenges and international responsibilities
weighing on the administration. However, many political analysts are skeptical
about Bayrou’s ability to navigate the crisis, with predictions of continued
difficulties ahead.
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