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.
Petroleum products are being transported by rail from Azerbaijan to Armenia for the first time in decades. The move is hailed as a tangible breakthrou...
Australia has been plunged into mourning following the deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with the funeral of 10...
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging address from the White House in which he sought to highlight what he described as his administrat...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 18th of December, covering the latest developments you need to...
The United States military has carried out another lethal strike against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the ...
Petroleum products are being transported by rail from Azerbaijan to Armenia for the first time in decades. The move is hailed as a tangible breakthrough in efforts to normalise relations between the long-time rivals.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 18th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
European Union and Western Balkans leaders met in Brussels on Wednesday for a high-level summit aimed at strengthening strategic ties and advancing the EU enlargement agenda, with officials emphasising the strategic importance of bringing the region into the bloc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a strong message against antisemitism on Wednesday during a Hanukkah celebration in Brussels.
Cambodia must be the first to declare a ceasefire in the ongoing border conflict, Thailand said on Tuesday (16 December), as fighting continued despite earlier claims that hostilities would stop and at least 52 people have been killed on both sides.
The latest clashes between Thailand and Cambodia mark a dangerous escalation in one of Southeast Asia’s oldest and most sensitive disputes.
In the complex world of international diplomacy, the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have raised significant questions about the role of third-party mediation.
The fourth European Conference on Azerbaijani Studies was held in Vienna, Austria, on 5 December, by the European Network for Azerbaijani Studies and the Strategic Consultancy Group.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is visiting the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday, 17 December, as the two countries seek to further strengthen their partnership.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 18th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia has been plunged into mourning following the deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda marking a deeply emotional moment for the nation.
The United States military has carried out another lethal strike against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the second such attack in the space of a week and underscoring a sharp escalation in Washington’s anti-narcotics campaign.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s allies to secure support for Kyiv and convince Russia that pressing on with the war would be futile. He made the comment during his evening address on Wednesday ahead of a key European Union summit focused on Moscow’s frozen assets.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging address from the White House in which he sought to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements while laying the groundwork for his plans for the year ahead and beyond, on Wednesday (18 December).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment