French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced his new government on Saturday, ending months of political uncertainty after snap elections left the country with a hung parliament. The new cabinet, which takes a noticeable shift to the right, was announced after left-wing protesters took to French streets for a second wave of demonstrations.
The government will face the tough task of having to plug a gaping hole in public finances, which could involve having to decide politically toxic tax rises.
It consists of both centrist and conservative figures. In total, 39 ministers were appointed, including 17 full ministers, six ministers delegate to the prime minister and 16 junior ministers and secretaries of state.
The line-up is an effort to address pressing domestic and international issues, while also managing the fallout from the protests triggered by the rightward shift in government policies.
Old and few faces
Bruno Retailleau, a staunch conservative senator, was named interior minister. He will be responsible for critical domestic issues like national security, immigration and law enforcement. The appointment signals a move towards more right-wing policies under Barnier’s leadership.
Antoine Armand was appointed finance minister. A rising figure in French politics, he will face the challenge of managing France’s fiscal policies amid mounting pressure from Brussels to address the country’s growing debt.
"I’m immensely honoured to be nominated finance minister," Armand wrote on X. "Thank you to the president of the republic and the prime minister for their trust."
France set to announce new government after months of political deadlock
Jean-Noël Barrot, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, is the new foreign minister.
A centrist politician from the MoDem party, Barrot is known for his work in digital transformation and European affairs. He has expertise in navigating complex international issues, especially within the EU.
"My engagement is to make the voice of France heard, and stand up to the challenges facing us," Barrot said, also in a post on X.
Sébastien Lecornu stays on as defence minister, tasked with overseeing France’s military modernisation and ongoing support for Ukraine. His leadership remains critical as the country navigates its role in NATO and rising global tensions.
Challenge from opposition
Opposition politicians from the left have already announced they will challenge Barnier's government with a confidence motion.
In the July election, a left-wing bloc called the New Popular Front won the most parliamentary seats of any political bloc, but not enough for an overall majority.
Macron argued that the left would be unable to muster enough support to form a government that would not immediately be brought down in parliament.
He turned instead to Barnier to lead a government drawing mostly on parliamentary support from Macron's allies, as well as from the conservative Republicans and the centrists groups.
