New government presented in France - Barnier's Cabinet announced
Photo: French Prime Minister Michel Barnier (Getty Images)
On September 21, The French presidential palace introduced France’s new government, headed by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, more than two months after the elections. Jean-Noël Barrot, known for his strong support of Ukraine, was appointed as the country’s new Foreign Minister, according to Élysée Palace and France 24.
Observers note that the new French cabinet has shifted further to the right, with conservatives and centrists now dominating.
EN DIRECT Annonce de la composition du nouveau Gouvernement. https://t.co/dIE2u6DJy7
— Élysée (@Elysee) September 21, 2024
Barnier, a conservative, faces the immediate challenge of presenting the 2025 budget plan. Recently, he described the country’s financial situation as very serious.
The new government will focus on improving living standards, addressing security and immigration issues, and protecting the environment, according to official statements from the Prime Minister's office.
Reactions from political leaders
Left-wing opposition leaders quickly declared their intent to challenge Barnier’s government. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called the new cabinet "a government of the general election losers", and insisted that France must get rid of the administration as soon as possible.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), also condemned the new government.
Meanwhile, Olivier Faure, head of the Socialist Party, described Barnier’s cabinet as “a reactionary government that gives democracy the finger.”
Key positions in the Cabinet of Ministers
Among the key positions is centrist Jean-Noël Barrot as Foreign Minister.
As Minister Delegate for European Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Barrot played a prominent role in efforts to counter pro-Kremlin propaganda and expressed support for Macron’s idea of deploying troops to Ukraine.
The Interior Ministry will be led by conservative Bruno Retailleau, who has previously focused on immigration policy.
Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Macron, retained his position.
The new Finance Minister is 33-year-old Antoine Armand, former president of the National Assembly Committee on Economic Affairs.
Didier Migaud, a former Socialist and the only center-left politician in the cabinet was appointed Justice Minister.
What preceded
On June 9, President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the French National Assembly and called for early parliamentary elections following the European Parliament elections.
After the second round of voting, outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation.
Following weeks of deliberations, 73-year-old Michel Barnier was named the new Prime Minister on September 5.
