The Office of French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday the formation of the new French government after the collapse of the previous government during a historic vote due to a disagreement over the budget.
The new government formed by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou includes members of the former team dominated by conservatives, new figures from the center and left-leaning, according to The “Associated Press”.
The 2025 budget will be the top priority of the new government. The formation of the government comes after months of political wrangling and pressure from financial markets to reduce France’s huge debt.
The French presidency announced on Monday evening that foreign ministers Jean-Noel Barrow and army Minister Sebastien licorno will retain their positions in the new French government headed by Francois Bayrou.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrow arrives at the Foreign Affairs Council at the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium December 16, 2024 (E.P.A)
Centrist Jean-Noel Barrow held the Foreign Affairs portfolio in the previous government, while Sebastien licorno, a close confidant of French President Emmanuel Macron, has been the minister of the armies since 2022, according to AFP.