French President Emmanuel Macron’s chief of staff has unveiled a new government, aiming to bring an end to political uncertainty stemming from a hung parliament after a snap election. The government, largely comprised of centrist and conservative parties, includes Antoine Armand as finance minister and Jean-Noel Barrot as foreign minister, with Sebastien Lecornu remaining as defense minister.
The stability of the new government is in question as it faces the challenge of passing crucial reform measures in parliament, starting with the 2025 budget. Led by prime minister Michel Barnier, the government must address the country’s financial deficit, potentially leading to unpopular tax increases.
Despite forming a coalition with centrist and conservative parties, the government will need to rely on support from the far-right National Rally (RN) to stay in power and pass legislation in a fragmented parliament.
With tensions rising over the new government’s composition, opposition parties like the hard-left LFI group criticize the appointment of “election losers.” The future of Macron’s government remains uncertain as it navigates a complex political landscape.