French President Emmanuel Macron has introduced his new government, nearly three months after snap general elections resulted in a hung parliament. The reshuffled cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, signals a clear shift to the right, despite the left-wing alliance winning the majority of parliamentary seats.
Although Macron's centrist party has formed a coalition with right-wing forces, the fragmented parliament will still require support from other parties to pass legislation. This development comes as the European Union warns France about its soaring national debt, which has significantly breached EU fiscal limits.
One notable appointment in the new cabinet is Bruno Retailleau, a prominent figure in the conservative Republicans Party, who has been named interior minister, responsible for immigration matters. In total, ten members of the Republicans have secured cabinet roles, while Macron has retained several key ministers from the outgoing administration.
Sebastien Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, continues as defence minister, and Jean-Noel Barrot, previously Europe minister, has been elevated to foreign minister. The sole left-wing appointee in the new lineup is independent Didier Migaud, who will serve as justice minister.
Antoine Armand, a relatively unknown member of Macron’s Renaissance party, has been entrusted with the crucial role of finance minister. His main challenge will be drafting the budget bill for the coming year to tackle France’s mounting deficit. The European Union had already cautioned France about its failure to adhere to the bloc’s financial regulations, with the country's public deficit expected to reach 5.6% of GDP this year, and projected to exceed 6% by 2025—well above the EU's 3% limit.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a seasoned conservative and former EU chief Brexit negotiator, was tasked with forming a government that could navigate the divided National Assembly. However, the left-wing alliance, known as the New Popular Front (NFP), has threatened to bring forward a no-confidence motion against the new administration.
In the July elections, the NFP secured the most seats of any political bloc, but fell short of a majority. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the far-left leader, has called for the government’s ousting. On the eve of the cabinet’s announcement, thousands of left-wing demonstrators gathered in Paris, protesting that the new government did not adequately reflect the left’s strong electoral performance.
Despite the alliance between centrist and conservative parties, it remains insufficient to push legislation through on its own. The government will likely need backing from other factions, including Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, to maintain power and pass laws.
