Seeking to end turmoil from the July’s election which led to a hung parliament, the French Presidential Palace announced on September 21, the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. President Emmanuel Macron declared the cabinet ending 11 weeks of uncertainty after an inconclusive parliamentary election as left-wing protesters took to the streets to denounce the July polls.
According to insider information, discussions on distributing 39 cabinet posts from Macron’s centrist alliance and conservative Republican Party before the official announcement, involved moments of high tension between the President and Prime Minister.
On the other hand, the opposition has already issued a public statement saying that they will be challenging the new government with a confidence motion. Remember in July, the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing bloc emerged victorious by winning most of the parliamentary seats but not enough to form a majority. But Macron argued that the party would not be able to muster enough support and instead turned to Barnier to lead a government.
Best known for leading the European Union’s Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom, PM Barnier’s very first task in office will involve submitting a 2025 budget plan addressing France’s economic situation amid the current financial crisis which the Prime Minister this week called ‘very serious’. His ability to govern effectively is already under scrutiny as the opposition has upped its ante against the leader as it promises to challenge at every turn.
The final budget will be submitted by Finance Minister Antoine Armand, whose duties involve steering the nation’s fiscal policies amid pressure from Brussels to address France’s mounting debt.
Being instrumental in strengthening France’s military capabilities by managing aid and supplying arms to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion, Sebastien Lecornu will be retaining the post of Defence Minister.
Known for specialisation in France’s digital transformation and European affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot from the centrist party will be handling the portfolio of the Foreign Minister of France, bringing in his vast experience in tackling International and EU issues.
The new government formation takes place in the backdrop of extensive demonstrations in Paris by thousands of left-leaning protesters who argued that the cabinet does not reflect the outcome of the elections held in July.
