France's New Government Tilts Right, Reflecting Election

Protests greet prime minister's lineup
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Sep 21, 2024 2:45 PM CDT
France's New Government Tilts Right, Reflecting Election
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, right, speaks with former President Nicolas Sarkozy at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics on Sept. 8 in Paris.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

The French presidential palace unveiled a new center-right government on Saturday, more than two months after elections that produced a hung parliament and deepened political divisions as France grapples with economic and diplomatic challenges. Conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier put together the government after weeks of difficult negotiations, and President Emmanuel Macron approved it, the AP reports. A left-wing coalition secured the most seats in June-July elections but failed to win an outright majority. The 38-member Cabinet announced Saturday includes primarily ministers from Macron's centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans party:

  • Jean-Noël Barrot is the new foreign minister, a centrist politician from MoDem known for his work in digital transformation and European affairs. His brings extensive experience in navigating complex international issues notably within the EU.
  • Antoine Armand, an emerging figure, is the new finance minister. He's now tasked with steering France's fiscal policies and managing the upcoming 2025 budget in the face of pressure from Brussels to address France's mounting debt.
  • Sébastien Lecornu retains his post as defense minister. He has been instrumental in bolstering France's military capabilities, including modernizing defense systems and managing military aid to Ukraine. His leadership in defense will be crucial as France navigates its role within NATO and handles rising geopolitical tensions over the wars in Ukraine and the Mideast.
  • Bruno Retailleau will be interior minister. He's a staunch conservative who will now handle critical domestic issues like national security, immigration, and law enforcement.

Barnier's ability to govern effectively is already under scrutiny, per the AP, with his political opponents on the left vowing to challenge him at every turn. The party of far-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon, France Unbowed, held protests Saturday against his government, and calls Barnier's appointment a rejection of the voters' will. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally said it would monitor the government closely and has enough votes in parliament to bring it down but expressed willingness to cooperate on budget issues. (More French elections stories.)

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