Tilt to right as French PM Barnier appoints government after months of deadlock

RFI

21 September 2024 at 3:17 pm·2-min read

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced his new government on Saturday, ending months of political uncertainty after snap elections left the country with a hung parliament. The new cabinet, which takes a noticeable shift to the right, was announced after left-wing protesters took to French streets for a second wave of demonstrations.

The government will face the tough task of having to plug a gaping hole in public finances, which could involve having to decide politically toxic tax rises.

It consists of both centrist and conservative figures. In total, 39 ministers were appointed, including 17 full ministers, six ministers delegate to the prime minister and 16 junior ministers and secretaries of state.

The line-up is an effort to address pressing domestic and international issues, while also managing the fallout from the protests triggered by the rightward shift in government policies.

Old and few faces

Bruno Retailleau, a staunch conservative senator, was named interior minister. He will be responsible for critical domestic issues like national security, immigration and law enforcement. The appointment signals a move towards more right-wing policies under Barnier’s leadership.

Antoine Armand was appointed finance minister. A rising figure in French politics, he will face the challenge of managing France’s fiscal policies amid mounting pressure from Brussels to address the country’s growing debt.

"I’m immensely honoured to be nominated finance minister," Armand wrote on X. "Thank you to the president of the republic and the prime minister for their trust."

Jean-Noël Barrot, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, is the new foreign minister.

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