New French Government Takes Shape Amid Political Uncertainty

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new government following a snap election that resulted in a hung parliament. Analysts question the stability of this centrist-conservative coalition led by Michel Barnier, which faces the immediate challenge of approving the 2025 budget and addressing public finance issues.

French President Emmanuel Macron's chief of staff announced the formation of a new government on Saturday. This move aims to end 2-1/2 months of political uncertainty following an inconclusive snap election that delivered a hung parliament.

Antoine Armand, a graduate of France's top administration school, will serve as finance minister and Jean-Noel Barrot will become foreign minister. The government, composed largely of centrist and conservative parties, will see Sebastien Lecornu retain his role as defence minister, announced Alexis Kohler from the Elysee Palace late on Saturday.

Questions remain over the stability of this new government and its ability to push reform measures through a divided parliament. Analysts view the adoption of the 2025 budget as a first, tough challenge. The government, led by conservative Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, will confront the tough task of addressing public finance issues, potentially involving politically sensitive tax increases.

Macron named Barnier, a veteran politician, as prime minister earlier this month. However, the lengthy negotiations to form a team illustrate the obstacles ahead. The centrist and conservative parties have managed to consolidate forces but will rely on other parties, including Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN), to maintain power and pass bills in a fractured parliament.

Eurointelligence analysts noted that the centrist government effectively operates as a minority administration. Its ministers will need to secure votes from opposition parties for bill approvals, requiring further concessions and political maneuvering. While the RN has given tacit support, it remains prepared to withdraw if its concerns over immigration, security, and other issues are not addressed.

Mathilde Panot, leader of the hard-left LFI group of lawmakers, expressed her displeasure, saying, 'I'm angry to see a government that looks set to recycle all the election losers,' during an interview with TF1 television.

(With inputs from agencies.)