French Prime Minister Announces New Government Amid Political Struggles

 

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has unveiled his new cabinet, marking the country’s fourth government since the beginning of 2024. The announcement comes as Bayrou faces a deeply divided parliament and the looming threat of another vote of no confidence.

The cabinet, a blend of veteran political figures and new faces, includes familiar names from previous administrations. Gérald Darmanin, the former interior minister, has been appointed justice minister. Former prime minister Élisabeth Borne returns to government as education secretary, while Manuel Valls, another former prime minister, takes on the role of overseas minister. Jean-Noël Barrot remains foreign secretary, and Bruno Retailleau has been reappointed interior minister. Éric Lombard, a former banker, will head the economy ministry, while Sébastien Lecornu stays on in the defense ministry. Rachida Dati is appointed culture minister.

Bayrou, a centrist, has been tasked with leading a government that bridges the political divide, excluding far-right and hard-left parties from his coalition. The French Assemblée Nationale remains fragmented, with no single group holding an absolute majority after a snap election in June, following significant gains by the far-right National Rally in the European elections. This division has left Bayrou’s administration leaning more towards the conservative right, following the downfall of the previous government under Michel Barnier, who lasted only 90 days before being toppled by a no-confidence vote.

One of Bayrou’s first major challenges will be drafting a 2025 budget aimed at reducing France’s budget deficit, which is expected to exceed 6% of GDP by year-end—far above the European Union’s 3% limit. The previous government, under Barnier, attempted to push through a budget bill using the controversial constitutional clause 49.3, but it was dropped after losing the no-confidence vote.

Bayrou has vowed to present the new budget by mid-February, stressing the need for a broad dialogue with lawmakers. He has ruled out new taxes on businesses but acknowledged the necessity of reducing public spending to address the country’s growing deficit.

The new government’s formation has sparked criticism, particularly from the Socialist Party (PS), which has condemned it as catering to the far right. Olivier Faure, PS secretary general, accused Bayrou of assembling a government “for and by the far right” and suggested that the Socialist Party might push for a no-confidence vote. Valls’ appointment, in particular, has angered the left, with critics calling it a provocation.

Bayrou has defended his choices, describing Valls as a "daring" personality who is willing to take risks. He emphasized the need for bold leadership, even in the face of controversy. The French parliament will return from recess on January 13, with Bayrou scheduled to hold his first council of ministers on January 3 and announce his government’s program on January 14.

Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron is currently in Africa, visiting Mayotte, a French overseas territory devastated by Cyclone Chido, which killed at least 35 people and injured more than 2,500. Macron has declared Monday a national day of mourning in honor of the victims. The timing of the government’s announcement, while Macron is abroad, adds another layer of complexity to Bayrou’s already challenging task of securing support for his administration.

As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether Bayrou’s government will survive the political storm brewing in the French parliament. If the forthcoming no-confidence motions succeed, the country may face yet another reshuffling of leadership.