France Unveils New Centre-Right Government Amidst Political Divides

The French presidential palace revealed a new centre-right government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, two months after elections resulted in a hung parliament. President Emmanuel Macron approved the 38-member Cabinet, which combines Macron's centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans. The new administration faces significant economic and diplomatic challenges.

On Saturday, the French presidential palace disclosed its new centre-right government more than two months following elections that culminated in a hung parliament, exacerbating political rifts as France tackles economic and diplomatic hurdles.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a conservative, formed the government after weeks of arduous talks, receiving President Emmanuel Macron's endorsement. The announcement was made at the presidential palace.

The 38-member Cabinet primarily comprises ministers from Macron's centrist coalition and the conservative Republicans party. Key appointments include Jean-Noël Barrot as foreign minister, Antoine Armand as finance minister, Sébastien Lecornu retaining his position as defense minister, and Bruno Retailleau as interior minister.

Barnier's capacity to govern is already under scrutiny, with the far-left led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon vowing opposition, and Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally pledging to monitor the government closely, though expressing readiness to cooperate on budgetary matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)