Two weeks after his appointment, the new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has completed the difficult process of forming a government. Barnier announced today in Paris that he wants to present the composition of the next government to President Emmanuel Macron in the evening.
This was preceded by consultations held by Barnier with senior representatives of the centrist and conservative parties, whose support he relies on in the next government. The new government is due to be officially presented tomorrow.
Barrow is set to take over as foreign minister, while Retello will take over as interior minister.
The first names were speculated about immediately after Barnier’s announcement. The foreign minister will be Jean-Noël Barrot, a former deputy European minister who in his previous role was also responsible for Franco-German relations, AFP reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu will reportedly remain in his post.
According to consistent information, conservative politician Bruno Retaillo, former leader of the Republican group in the Senate, will become the new Minister of the Interior. He will replace Gérald Darmanin.
Barnier wants to improve living standards
Barnier also outlined the main lines of his future policy during the discussions. It concerns improving the standard of living of the French and the functioning of public services, especially schools and the health system.
Another focus is to strengthen internal security, control immigration and promote integration. In addition, businesses and farmers should be strengthened, as well as France's economic attractiveness. In addition, public finances must be restructured and environmental policy strengthened.
The new government is expected to be presented publicly tomorrow. It is unclear to what extent Barnier will fill ministerial posts with politicians from the left. Left-wing parties initially did not agree to participate in the government.
long standstill
France’s political situation is tense, with neither camp securing an absolute majority in snap parliamentary elections two months ago. Neither the victorious left-wing coalition nor other parties have been able to form a governing coalition. The fact that Macron appointed the conservative former EU commissioner Barnier, 73, as prime minister from the camp that performed poorly in the elections has caused resentment in France beyond the left-wing coalition.
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