France has appointed a new government after a record-long transition period of two months.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who took over the government on September 5, presented the composition of his Cabinet. Sébastien Lecornu remained in the post of Minister of the Armed Forces, and Jean-Noël Barrot became the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Bruno Retaillo, known for his tough stance on immigration, was elected Minister of the Interior.
The new government has declared an improvement in the standard of living of the French, ensuring security and control of immigration, and has increased the economic attractiveness of France.
Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator appointed prime minister earlier this month, has assembled a cabinet that one veteran political observer described as “the most right-wing” in more than a decade. Barnier has also placed some junior ministers under his authority to oversee key policies, including European affairs and the budget. Given his experience in Brussels and public concerns about France’s growing budget deficit, Barnier was expected to play a larger role in negotiations with the European Commission over the so-called excessive deficit procedure, which Paris has invoked for breaching EU rules on public spending. Politico.com reports that the appointment of a new government in France is expected to be a major one.
Recall that Macron’s decision to call early elections after the far-right National Rally’s landslide victory in the European Union elections in June led to a political stalemate, with no party or coalition coming close to an absolute majority.
The French president has ruled out forming a government with his narrowly-won leftist New Popular Front, citing the likelihood that it would be torpedoed by an immediate no-confidence vote. But a leftist government is likely to try to unravel key parts of his legacy, including his controversial decision to raise the minimum retirement age.
The new administration is made up of centrist and right-wing forces and, for now, has the tacit support of the far right. In a statement released on September 19, the Prime Minister’s Office said the new government would prioritize improving living standards; ensuring security and controlling immigration; making France more economically attractive; protecting the environment; and containing France’s debt.
Barnier will further outline his government’s next steps during his inauguration speech to parliament on October 1.
Source: Racurs
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