French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced a new government on Monday, appointing two former prime ministers, Manuel Valls and Elisabeth Borne, to his cabinet. The reshuffled cabinet now features 14 full ministries in a move aimed at bringing experience and unity to the administration.
Valls will take charge of the Ministry of Overseas Territories, while Borne will lead the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, and Research. Their inclusion is seen as a strategic step to strengthen the government’s focus on education and overseas affairs.
Several key figures from the previous administration under Michel Barnier have retained their posts. Bruno Retailleau remains as Interior Minister, Sebastian Lecornu continues as Minister of Armed Forces, and Jean-Noel Barrot stays on as Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The cabinet also includes four prominent female ministers from the former government. Rachida Dati steps in as Minister of Culture, Catherine Vautrin becomes Minister of Work, Health, Solidarities, and Families, Agnès Pannier-Runacher continues as Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forest, Sea, and Fisheries, and Annie Genevard is appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
Eric Lombard has been named Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, tasked with developing the budget for 2025.
Expressing confidence in his new team, Bayrou stated on social media platform X, “This is a collective of experience to reconcile and renew trust with all French people.”
Bayrou’s appointment as prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron on December 13 follows the ousting of Michel Barnier in a vote of no confidence earlier this month. The first Council of Ministers under the new government is scheduled for January 3, 2025.
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French PM unveils new cabinet, including two former prime ministers
cgtn.com
