French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou unveiled a new government on Monday, appointing two former prime ministers, Manuel Valls and Elisabeth Borne, to key ministerial positions.
The newly formed cabinet has been downsized to 14 full ministries in an effort to streamline government operations. Manuel Valls will head the Ministry of Overseas Territories, while Elisabeth Borne will lead the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, and Research.
Continuity is maintained as three ministers from the previous administration of Michel Barnier retain their positions. Bruno Retailleau continues as Interior Minister, Sebastian Lecornu remains Minister of the Armed Forces, and Jean-Noël Barrot stays on as Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
In a significant step toward gender balance, four female ministers from Barnier’s government have joined Bayrou’s cabinet. Rachida Dati will oversee the Ministry of Culture, Catherine Vautrin takes on the portfolio of Minister of Work, Health, Solidarities, and Families, Agnès Pannier-Runacher remains in charge of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forest, Sea, and Fisheries, and Annie Genevard has been appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
To address the nation’s economic challenges and formulate the 2025 budget, Bayrou selected Éric Lombard as the new Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Bayrou expressed pride in his newly formed cabinet, describing it as “a collective of experience to reconcile and renew trust with all French people” in a post on his X account.
French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Bayrou as prime minister on December 13, following Michel Barnier’s ouster in a vote of no confidence on December 4.
The first Council of Ministers under the new government is scheduled for January 3, 2025, marking the beginning of Bayrou’s agenda to address the nation’s pressing issues.
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French PM unveils new cabinet, including two former prime ministers
cgtn.com
