French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new government under François Bayrou, marking his fourth prime ministerial appointment this year, on Monday evening. The reshuffled cabinet has been tasked with steering the EU’s second-largest economy out of a political crisis sparked by budget disputes.
Eric Lombard, a seasoned finance professional, was named finance minister and is charged with drafting the country’s next budget. This comes after the previous government collapsed over a contentious proposal involving €60 billion ($62.9 billion) in tax hikes and spending cuts, leaving France without a formal budget.
Lombard’s immediate challenge will be to push through the 2025 budget and withstand a potential no-confidence vote from the opposition. Securing support in the National Assembly will be a formidable task, as Macron’s party holds a minority position.
Elisabeth Borne, 63, a former prime minister, was appointed as education minister, while Manuel Valls, 62, another former prime minister, returned as overseas territories minister. Gerald Darmanin, previously interior minister, was named justice minister.
Macron retained Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in their roles. Bruno Retailleau, a conservative interior minister with a firm stance on illegal immigration, and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, known for her right-wing views, also retained their posts.
Prime Minister Bayrou expressed optimism about passing the budget by mid-February after consulting stakeholders. The cabinet’s first meeting is scheduled for January 3, and Bayrou will present a policy agenda to the National Assembly on January 14.
“I believe there’s a way forward — perhaps it’s sheer optimism — but I can assure you that if we fail this time, it’s the final stop before the cliff edge,” Bayrou stated in an interview with France 2 television on Thursday.
