French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced a new government on Monday, attempting to bridge a fractured parliament while introducing meaningful reforms.
Even before its official announcement, the newly unveiled administration has faced criticism, particularly for conceding to far-right demands. Bayrou’s cabinet features a blend of new faces and figures from Michel Barnier’s short-lived government, leaning heavily on centrist and conservative ministers for key roles.
Bayrou, 73, a veteran of French centrism and a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, persuaded Macron to appoint him as France’s fourth prime minister in a year. Despite his pledge to unite the nation, Bayrou’s early days in office have been contentious. Efforts to bring opposition groups on board have largely failed, leaving his government in a precarious position.
One notable controversy involved Xavier Bertrand, a conservative rival of far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Bertrand turned down an offer to serve as justice minister, citing disagreements with the National Rally’s influence.
The Bayrou government’s key figures include:
Jean-Noël Barrot as Foreign Affairs Minister
Sébastien Lecornu as Defense Minister
Eric Lombard as Economy and Finance Minister
Marc Ferracci as Junior Minister for Industry and Energy
Clara Chappaz as Junior Minister for AI and Technology
Bayrou’s inability to secure Socialist Party support has left him leading a minority government, similar to his predecessor Barnier. His immediate priorities include passing a budget by mid-February and navigating a divided legislature where no single party holds a majority.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed on Wednesday that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is created. The statement follows remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Riyadh was not making such a demand.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, the first foreign leader to visit since Trump’s re-election. Talks focused on a potential Israel-Saudi normalization deal, the Gaza war, and the ongoing hostage negotiations.
The FireAid benefit concerts have raised over $100 million for wildfire relief in Los Angeles, with more than 50 million viewers tuning in across 28 platforms. The event, featuring Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Stevie Nicks, aims to support both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery.
A U.S. appeals court has ruled that the family of an American killed in the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 can sue Russia’s Sberbank for allegedly funding the separatist group blamed for the attack.
China retaliated against U.S. tariffs by imposing its own levies on American imports and launching an antitrust probe into Google, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, saying it could potentially buy the short video app TikTok.
At least 11 people, including the gunman, were killed in Sweden's worst mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, west of Stockholm, authorities confirmed.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA), the agency which provides relief for Palestinian refugees.
Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for a fresh start in relations with Azerbaijan, highlighting progress in peace talks and mutual recognition of territorial integrity.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport has released the preliminary report on the investigation on Azerbaijan Airlines's flight J2-8243's tragic crash. Read excerpts from the report and watch AnewZ's complete coverage.
An American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said.
The U.S. has officially entered a new trade war. President Donald Trump has slapped 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, citing immigration and drug trafficking concerns. The move has immediate consequences for businesses and consumers—so what happens next?
At least 11 people, including the gunman, were killed in Sweden's worst mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, west of Stockholm, authorities confirmed.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA), the agency which provides relief for Palestinian refugees.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s North Maluku early Tuesday, with no tsunami warning issued, Xinhua reports.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 5th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, saying it could potentially buy the short video app TikTok.
At least 11 people, including the gunman, were killed in Sweden's worst mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, west of Stockholm, authorities confirmed.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA), the agency which provides relief for Palestinian refugees.
Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for a fresh start in relations with Azerbaijan, highlighting progress in peace talks and mutual recognition of territorial integrity.
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