French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has officially announced the formation of a new center-right government, comprising 39 members drawn from centrist and right-wing parties. This move marks a significant shift in France's political landscape following recent snap legislative elections.
Of the 17 ministers appointed, seven hail from President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance, while three represent Barnier's conservative party, The Republicans (Les Republicains). Notable appointments include Jean-Noel Barrot as the new minister for Europe and foreign affairs, and Bruno Retailleau as the minister of the interior, a role aimed at restoring public order.
In a bold move, 33-year-old Antoine Armand has been named minister of economy and finance. Armand will work alongside Barnier to finalize France's 2025 budget draft, with a focus on maintaining the country's debt within European Union mandates.
However, the formation of this government has not been without controversy. The absence of left-wing and far-right representatives from the new cabinet has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, accused Barnier of undermining democracy by excluding left-wing voices.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the far-left party La France Insoumise, labeled the government as lacking legitimacy and called for its swift dissolution. Meanwhile, National Rally's ex-leader, Marine Le Pen, dismissed the government as merely a reshuffle of the previous administration, urging for more substantial changes.
Facing such opposition, left-wing factions have announced plans to initiate a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly, which currently lacks an absolute majority. Their efforts may require backing from the far-right National Rally to succeed.
Nominated by President Macron on September 5, Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator, has pledged to tackle the nation's pressing issues, including public anger, economic challenges, and feelings of abandonment. His immediate priority is to complete and present the 2025 budget before October 1.
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Michel Barnier forms new center-right govt amid left-wing criticism
cgtn.com
