Macron unveils new Cabinet under François Bayrou, names two ex-PMs as ministers

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new government on Monday evening, appointing a team under François Bayrou, his fourth prime minister this year, in an effort to pull the second-largest EU economy out of political crisis.

Macron appointed former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne as education minister, AFP quoted the presidency as announcing on Monday.

Another former premier, Manuel Valls, has returned as overseas territories minister, while former interior minister Gérald Darmanin takes on the role of justice minister. Both Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will continue in their positions, added the presidency.

Conservative Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is committed to addressing illegal immigration, retained his position. The challenging task of formulating next year’s budget now falls to Eric Lombard, the new economy minister.

More from World

Nepal's new PM pays homage to people died during the Gen Z protest in her first national address This Week in Explainers: How recovering from Gen-Z protests is a Himalayan task for Nepal

The inclusion of two former prime ministers signals Macron’s aim for a strong, stable government, hoping to avoid the fate of Bayrou’s predecessor, Michel Barnier. For 73-year-old Bayrou, the priority is to ensure his government withstands any no-confidence votes and successfully passes a cost-cutting budget for 2025.

Manuel Valls, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2016, has made an unexpected return as the overseas territories minister, underscoring the importance of the role after officials faced heavy criticism for their response to a deadly cyclone in Mayotte, which claimed at least 35 lives.

Gerald Darmanin, previously eyeing the foreign minister position, will have to settle for the justice ministry following intense negotiations.

This announcement coincided with a day of mourning in France for the cyclone victims in Mayotte, the nation’s poorest overseas territory.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Trump urges Nato to back sanctions on Russia, calls for 50–100% tariffs on China

Bayrou, leader of the centrist MoDem group allied with Macron’s party, was appointed on December 13. However, many are already speculating about the challenges he will face in maintaining his position.

France has been in political gridlock since Macron called for snap elections this summer, hoping to strengthen his mandate. Instead, the elections resulted in a parliament divided among three rival blocs.

With inputs from agencies