New French government named following months of political deadlock

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's cabinet will seek to rely on moderate politicians from right and left to stay in power

The new French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. AFP

Emmanuel Macron’s office announced a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country's budget.

Newly installed Prime Minister Francois Bayrou put together the government, which includes members of the outgoing conservative-dominated team and new figures from centrist and left-leaning backgrounds. The new government comes in after months of political deadlock and pressure from financial markets to reduce France’s colossal debt. Mr Bayrou’s decades of political experience are seen as vital in efforts to restore stability.

Marine Le Pen's far-right party helped bring down the previous government, and Mr Bayrou’s cabinet will seek to rely on moderate politicians from right and left to stay in power. Banker Eric Lombard will be finance minister, a crucial post while France is working to fulfil its promises to European Union partners to reduce its deficit, which is estimated to reach 6 per cent of its gross domestic product this year.

Bruno Retailleau stays on as interior minister, with responsibility for France’s security and migration policy. Sebastien Lecornu, who has been at the forefront of France’s military support for Ukraine, remains defence minister, while Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also retains his post. Among the new faces are two former prime ministers: Manuel Valls will be minister for overseas affairs and Elisabeth Borne will oversee the education ministry.