France’s new government, formed under Prime Minister François Bayrou, officially took office on Christmas Eve, yet it already faces the possibility of a no-confidence vote. The Socialist Party has criticized the government for its “overreliance” on support from the far-right, Agence France-Presse reported.
“I am confident that the actions defined by myself and my government team will prevent us from being censured,” said the 73-year-old centrist prime minister on Monday evening, just hours after presenting his cabinet.
Bayrou is France’s fourth prime minister this year. His predecessor, Michel Barnier, served for just three months, marking an unprecedented level of political instability in recent decades.
Socialist leader Olivier Faure expressed skepticism, stating that there is no reason to grant approval to the new government. He hinted that his parliamentary group might file a motion of no confidence after January 14, when Bayrou is scheduled to outline his political agenda.
Government’s First Challenges
The government’s immediate priority is the passage of the 2025 budget, the very issue that led to the fall of Barnier’s administration. The far-right National Rally, the largest party in the French Parliament, has stated it will not oppose the new government outright but has remained noncommittal.
Amid swirling rumors, French media reported that Bayrou allegedly consulted far-right leader Marine Le Pen over ministerial appointments. Bayrou has denied these claims.
Key Cabinet Changes
The new government consists of 35 members, fewer than Barnier’s 42-member cabinet. Key figures retained their roles: Jean-Noël Barrot remains Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sébastien Lecornu stays as Minister of Defense, and Bruno Retailleau continues as Interior Minister.
Significant changes include Gérald Darmanin, who transitions from Interior Minister to Minister of Justice, and Éric Lombard, a business leader, taking on the role of Minister of Economy. Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls has been appointed Minister for Overseas Territories, while Élisabeth Borne, a former prime minister, is now the Minister of Education.
Political Reactions
Socialist leader Olivier Faure criticized the new government as a far-right administration in disguise, accusing Bayrou of straying from centrist principles.
