France announces new centre-right government 2 months after divisive election

The French presidential palace unveiled a long-awaited new government on Saturday dominated by conservatives and centrists. It came more than two months after a productive election a hung parliament and political divisions deepened as France faced mounting financial and operational challenges.

The left-wing coalition won the majority of seats in the June-July elections but failed to win a majority. Student groups and activists from the far-right French party Unbowed held protests across the country on Saturday against a government they say is rejecting the will of voters.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed incumbent Michel Barnier as prime minister earlier this month despite Barnier’s Republican Party’s poor electoral results, and Barnier formed a government after tough negotiations. Macron was approved, and announced at the presidential palace.

Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally party has no seats in Barnier’s government but has enough votes in parliament to bring it down. The party won indirectly by appointing incumbent Bruno Retailleau as the new interior minister, whose output includes key domestic issues such as national security, immigration, and law enforcement.

The structure and direction of the French government is important because this country is the leading voice in EU policy, among the largest economies in the world and is a nuclear-armed, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.

The 39-member Cabinet includes mainly ministers from Macron’s centrist alliance and conservative Republicans.

Jean-Noël Barrot is the new foreign minister, a deeply focused politician known for his work on the digital revolution and European affairs. He brings extensive experience in navigating complex international issues particularly within the EU.

The new finance minister is Antoine Armand, an up-and-comer in French politics who is now tasked with guiding France’s fiscal policies and managing the upcoming 2025 budget, amid pressure from Brussels to tackle France’s mounting debt.

Sébastien Lecornu has retained his position as defense minister. He was instrumental in strengthening France’s military capability, including modernizing defense systems and managing military aid to Ukraine. His defense leadership will be important as France navigates its role within NATO and deals with growing political tensions over the wars in Ukraine and the Mideast.

Barnier’s ability to govern effectively has been scrutinized, with his political opponents on the left vowing to challenge him in all areas and those on the right saying he will keep a close eye on the government.

The left-wing coalition New Popular Front surprised many by winning the majority of seats in a dangerous election called by Macron after snap elections. far right victory in the European Parliament elections in June.

But the New Popular Front was not given the chance to form a minority government, and refused to agree to join the left-leaning government coalition.

Barnier, a 73-year-old political veteran best known for his role as the European Union’s Brexit negotiator, is no stranger to complex political operations. However, building a government that can survive in such a divided parliament will test his in-depth knowledge and political skills.

Barnier’s first major political test will come on October 1, when he will deliver his general policy speech to the National Assembly.