The French presidential palace announced on Saturday a long-awaited new government, made up mainly of conservatives and centrists. Hung Parliament Political divisions are deepening as France grapples with growing financial and diplomatic challenges.
The left-wing coalition won the most seats in parliamentary elections in June and July but failed to secure a majority. Student groups and activists from the far-left “Unbow France” party protested across the country on Saturday, saying the move was a rejection of the will of voters.
Earlier this month, President Emmanuel Macron appointed conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister. After difficult negotiations, Barnier formed a government after his party’s poor election performance. Macron approved the appointment, which was announced at the presidential palace.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right, anti-immigration Rally National party has no seats in Barnier’s government but has enough votes in parliament to topple it. It scored an indirect victory by appointing hardline conservative Bruno Littaillot as interior minister, responsible for key domestic issues such as national security, immigration and law enforcement.
The composition and direction of France’s government is important because it has a leading voice in EU policy, is one of the world’s largest economies, possesses nuclear weapons and is a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.
The 39-member cabinet mainly includes ministers from Macron’s centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans.
Jean-Noël Barrot is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. A centrist politician known for his work on digital transformation and European issues, he has extensive experience in dealing with complex international issues, particularly within the EU.
The new finance minister is Antoine Armand, a rising star in French politics who will be tasked with steering France’s fiscal policy and managing the 2025 budget at a time when the country is under pressure from the EU to address its mounting debt.
Sébastien Lecornu will remain as defense minister. He has worked to strengthen France’s military, including modernizing defense systems and managing military aid to Ukraine. His defense leadership will be crucial as France navigates its role within NATO and deals with rising geopolitical tensions over the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Mr Barnier’s ability to govern effectively is already under scrutiny, with political opponents on the left vowing to challenge him at every turn and the far right saying they will closely monitor the government.
The left-wing New Popular Front coalition surprised many by winning the most seats in the risky general elections called by Macron after his presidential election. The victory of the far right in the European Parliament elections in June.
However, the New Popular Front was not given the opportunity to form a minority government and refused to make concessions and join a more left-leaning government coalition.
Barnier, 73, a veteran politician best known for his role as the European Union’s Brexit negotiator, is used to complex political challenges, but forming a viable government in such a divided parliament will test his vast experience and political acumen.
Barnier’s first major political test will come when he delivers his general policy address to the National Assembly on October 1.
