Macron Appoints New Government Following Divisive French Election

New Government

French President Emmanuel Macron has named a new government, aiming to bring an end to 11 weeks of political deadlock following a contentious parliamentary election that left France with a hung parliament.

The inconclusive election failed to deliver a clear majority, creating significant uncertainty over how the country would be governed moving forward.

On Saturday, conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier unveiled the new government, which is tasked with stabilizing the political situation and tackling urgent issues.

One of its primary challenges will be to present the 2025 budget plan, a crucial step in addressing France’s financial challenges.

Barnier, who has called the country’s fiscal state “very serious,” will rely on his newly appointed 38-member Cabinet, which includes representatives from Macron’s centrist alliance as well as the conservative Republicans (LR) party, to help steer France through this difficult period.

The key responsibility of submitting the budget falls on the shoulders of 33-year-old Antoine Armand, who has been named finance minister.

Armand previously led the Economic Affairs Committee in parliament, and he is now expected to manage the nation’s financial recovery efforts. His appointment comes at a critical time as France grapples with rising inflation and economic instability.

In other major appointments, Jean-Noel Barrot has been named foreign minister. Barrot brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dealt extensively with complex international issues, particularly within the European Union.

Meanwhile, Sebastien Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, retains his position as defence minister. Bruno Retailleau, a staunch conservative, has been appointed interior minister, a role that will see him tackle pressing domestic issues such as national security, immigration, and law enforcement.

Barnier’s ability to govern effectively is already under intense scrutiny, with political opponents from the left pledging to challenge his government at every opportunity.

On Saturday, the far-left France Unbowed party, led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, organized protests against the new government, arguing that it does not reflect the results of the parliamentary election.

Despite the opposition, Barnier is hoping to secure support for his government from various political factions. The far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, has indicated that while it will closely monitor the government’s actions, it is willing to cooperate on key budgetary issues.

Le Pen’s party has enough votes in parliament to potentially bring down the government, but has so far adopted a neutral stance.

The July parliamentary election saw the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) secure the most seats, but the coalition failed to achieve an outright majority.

Macron argued that the left would not be able to form a stable government without risking immediate collapse in parliament, prompting him to turn to Barnier, a seasoned 73-year-old conservative, to lead the new administration.

Barnier’s government is largely built on support from the conservative Republicans and centrist groups, with Macron hoping to avoid a direct confrontation with the far right.

However, the appointment of Barnier has sparked backlash from left-wing groups, who argue that the new government fails to reflect the will of the voters.

Even before the official announcement, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Paris and the southern port city of Marseille to voice their opposition to a government they feel is out of touch with the election outcome.