France's New Government: Security Tops Agenda as Barnier Struggles with Hung Parliament

France's new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has prioritized security as he and other ministers join Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government, formed after a hung parliament resulted from snap elections. With a fractured parliament, the new government faces challenges in adopting reforms and the upcoming 2025 budget.

France's new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has declared that security will be his top priority. Retailleau, 63, known for his hard-right views, is among the few heavyweights in the new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier and President Emmanuel Macron.

This government formation follows snap elections in early July that resulted in a hung parliament. An alliance of left-wing parties topped the ballot, and the far-right National Rally was the single party with the most votes. Ultimately, Macron's centrists struck a deal with the center-right and conservatives to form a government.

Retailleau, a longtime senator for the conservative Republicans (LR) party, stressed the need for order in the streets and at the borders. He vowed to be tough on those attacking or disrespecting politicians and to take a firm stand against antisemitism. Barnier, meeting the new ministers for the first time, urged them to be humble, work as a team, and avoid PR stunts.

(With inputs from agencies.)