French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed his new government lineup, nearly three months after a snap general election resulted in a hung parliament. The reshuffled cabinet, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, signals a clear shift to the right, despite a left-wing alliance securing the most parliamentary seats.
Although Macron’s centrist party has formed a partnership with the right, the fractured parliament will still need support from other parties to pass key legislation. This comes as France faces pressure from the European Union over its ballooning public debt, which now significantly exceeds EU limits.
Bruno Retailleau, a prominent figure in the conservative Republicans Party founded by former President Nicolas Sarkozy, has been named interior minister, overseeing immigration. In total, 10 Republicans have been appointed to cabinet positions, though several of Macron’s outgoing ministers remain in key roles. Close ally Sebastien Lecornu retains his position as defence minister, while Jean-Noel Barrot, the outgoing Europe minister, has been promoted to foreign minister.
Only one left-wing figure, independent Didier Migaud, has been given a cabinet post as justice minister. Antoine Armand, a relatively unknown member of Macron’s Renaissance party, has been appointed finance minister. He faces the immediate challenge of drafting a budget bill to address France’s growing deficit before the end of the year.
The European Commission had previously warned France of potential disciplinary action for violating the EU’s financial regulations. The country’s public-sector deficit is projected to reach 5.6% of GDP this year and exceed 6% by 2025, far above the EU’s 3% limit.