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France Unveils New Cabinet to End Political Uncertainty Following Prime Minister’s Ouster

Paris, December 24, 2024 – The Europe Today: France announced a new government on Monday, aiming to restore stability after weeks of political turbulence following the dismissal of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet earlier this month.

The 39-member Cabinet, unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron’s Chief of Staff Alexis Kohler at the Élysée Palace, features a mix of experienced politicians and fresh faces in critical roles.

  • Bruno Retailleau retains his position as interior minister, maintaining responsibility for national security.
  • Gérald Darmanin, formerly the interior minister, takes over as justice minister.
  • Jean-Noël Barrot continues as foreign minister, overseeing France’s global diplomatic agenda.
  • Benjamin Haddad assumes the role of minister for European affairs, focusing on France’s relations within the European Union.
  • Éric Lombard is appointed economy minister, tasked with navigating France’s economic challenges.
  • Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls becomes minister for overseas territories, addressing issues like the ongoing crisis in Mayotte, recently struck by a cyclone.
  • Another ex-premier, Élisabeth Borne, is named education minister, bringing her extensive ministerial experience to the role.

Political Instability Since June

France has grappled with political uncertainty since June, when President Macron’s centrist bloc faltered in parliamentary elections, and the far-right National Rally (RN) party emerged victorious in the European Parliament elections.

Two rounds of snap parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7 failed to produce an absolute majority in the National Assembly. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance won the most seats but struggled to agree on a consensus candidate for prime minister.

After weeks of internal disputes, the NFP nominated Lucie Castets for the role on July 23. However, President Macron rejected Castets, announcing he would delay the appointment of a new premier until after the Paris Olympics. This decision drew widespread criticism, further compounding the instability.

On September 5, Macron appointed Michel Barnier, a center-right figure and former European commissioner, as prime minister. However, Barnier’s government collapsed in a no-confidence vote, marking the first such event since 1962.

Aiming for Stability

The new Cabinet seeks to stabilize France’s political landscape and address pressing national and international challenges. President Macron’s government now faces the task of rebuilding confidence and fostering cooperation across a deeply fragmented political spectrum.