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France announces the composition of the new government, two months after the elections

2024-09-22 20:59:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

France announces the composition of the new government, two months after the

The French presidential palace announced the composition of a new government dominated by conservatives and centrists, more than two months after elections that deepened political divisions, as France faces mounting financial and diplomatic challenges.

A left-wing coalition secured the largest number of seats in parliamentary elections in June and July, but failed to win a majority.

Student groups and left-wing activists held protests across the country on Saturday against a government they say rejects the will of voters.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister earlier this month, even though his Republican party had a poor showing in the election. Mr. Barnier formed the government after difficult negotiations. Mr. Macron decreed it.

Marine Le Pen's far-right anti-immigration National Union party has no ministers in Mr Barnier's government but has enough votes in parliament to topple it. This party secured an indirect victory by appointing the conservative Bruno Retailleau as the new interior minister, whose job includes critical domestic issues such as national security, immigration and law enforcement.

The composition and orientation of France's government is important because the country is a leading voice in EU politics, among the world's largest economies, and a nuclear-armed, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council. .

The 39-member cabinet includes mainly ministers from Mr Macron's centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans. Jean-Noël Barrot, a centrist politician known for his work on digital transformation and European affairs, is the new foreign minister.
He brings extensive experience in complex international issues, particularly within the EU.

The new finance minister is Antoine Armand, an increasingly popular figure in French politics who is now tasked with guiding France's fiscal policies and managing the next 2025 budget amid pressure from Brussels to tackle mounting debt. of France.

Sébastien Lecornu will continue to hold his post as defense minister. He has been instrumental in strengthening France's military capabilities, including modernizing defense systems and managing military aid to Ukraine.

His defense leadership will be crucial to France's role within NATO and geopolitical tensions rising from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Mr Barnier's ability to govern effectively is already under scrutiny. His political opponents from the left vow to challenge him at every turn, while the far right says it will closely monitor the government.

Prime Minister Barnier's first major political test will come on October 1, when he delivers his policy speech to the National Assembly. /VOA