French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his new government, nearly three months after a snap general election resulted in a hung parliament.
The new lineup, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, marks a significant shift to the right, despite the left-wing alliance winning the most parliamentary seats ¹.
This development comes as the European Union expresses concerns over France’s spiraling debt, which exceeds EU rules. The public-sector deficit is projected to reach 5.6% of GDP this year and surpass 6% in 2025, well above the EU’s 3% limit.
The new cabinet includes notable appointments such as Bruno Retailleau, interior minister and member of the conservative Republicans Party, and Antoine Armand, finance minister tasked with drafting the government’s budget bill to address France’s dire deficit.
However, the left-wing alliance, the New Popular Front (NPF), has threatened a no-confidence motion, with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon stating, “The new government must be gotten rid of as soon as possible.” Thousands of left-wing supporters protested in Paris against the incoming government, arguing that the left’s election performance was disregarded.
The cabinet’s centrist-conservative alliance lacks the numbers to pass legislation independently and will rely on support from other parties, including Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally.
*Key Cabinet Appointments:*
– *Prime Minister:* Michel Barnier
– *Interior Minister:* Bruno Retailleau
– *Finance Minister:* Antoine Armand
– *Defence Minister:* Sebastien Lecornu
– *Foreign Minister:* Jean-Noel Barrot
– *Justice Minister:* Didier Migaud
Macron’s new government faces significant challenges, including addressing France’s debt crisis and navigating the fractured National Assembly.