In the new cabinet, former prime minister Elisabeth Borne has been appointed as education minister, while another former premier, Manuel Valls, returns as overseas territories minister. Former interior minister Gerald Darmanin has been named justice minister.
Both Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot have retained their positions. Conservative Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration, also remains in his post.
Eric Lombard has been appointed as the new economy minister, tasked with delivering a budget plan for the coming year.
The inclusion of two former prime ministers highlights Macron’s desire for a stable and experienced government, aiming to avoid the fate of Bayrou’s predecessor, Michel Barnier. Bayrou, 73, faces the challenge of ensuring his government can survive a no-confidence vote and pass a cost-cutting budget for 2025.
The unexpected return of Valls, who served as premier from 2014 to 2016, as head of the overseas territories ministry underscores the importance of the post following criticism of the authorities’ response to the deadly cyclone in Mayotte, which claimed at least 35 lives.
Darmanin, who had long coveted the role of foreign minister, will have to settle for the justice ministry after days of intense discussions.
The announcement coincided with France observing a day of mourning for the victims of the cyclone-hit Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, the country’s poorest overseas territory.
Bayrou, head of the centrist MoDem group allied with Macron’s party, was appointed on December 13. However, many predict that Bayrou will face significant challenges in maintaining his position.
France has been in a state of political deadlock since Macron’s gamble on snap elections this summer backfired, resulting in a fractured parliament divided among three rival blocs.
