New Cabinet Introduced by French PM, Featuring Two Former Leaders

Paris, Dec 24 (NationPress) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has introduced a revamped government, bringing on board two former prime ministers, Manuel Valls and Elisabeth Borne, into his cabinet, as stated in a press release from the Elysee.

In a move to streamline the administration, Bayrou has reduced the cabinet to 14 full ministries. Valls will take charge of the Ministry of Overseas Territories, while Borne will oversee the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Three ministers from the previous government led by Michel Barnier will retain their roles, including Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, Sebastian Lecornu as minister of armed forces, and Jean-Noel Barrot as minister of Europe and foreign affairs.

Additionally, four female ministers from Barnier’s administration have joined Bayrou's cabinet. Rachida Dati will manage the Ministry of Culture, while Catherine Vautrin will handle the portfolio of minister of work, health, solidarities, and families. Agnès Pannier-Runacher continues her role as the head of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forest, Sea, and Fisheries, and Annie Genevard has been appointed minister of agriculture and food sovereignty.

To prepare for the 2025 budget, Bayrou has chosen Eric Lombard as the new minister of economy, finance, and industrial and digital sovereignty.

After the announcement, Bayrou expressed his satisfaction with the newly established cabinet, calling it "a collective of experience to reconcile and renew trust with all French people" in a post on his X account.

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Bayrou as prime minister on December 13, following Barnier's removal during a vote of no confidence on December 4.

The inaugural Council of Ministers meeting under the new administration is set for January 3, 2025.