France has a new government. Here’s what it needs to do now
PBS NewsHour2 days
French Prime Minister Bayrou Appoints New Government
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Above: François Bayrou speaks at the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Dec. 17, 2024. Image copyright: Nathan Laine/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Prime Minister François Bayrou on Monday formed France's fourth government of 2024, with former ministers and senior civil servants taking key positions in the 34-member cabinet.
Eric Lombard, former head of Caisse des Dépôts, has been appointed finance minister, tasked with addressing France's mounting debt and deficit — currently exceeding 6% of gross domestic product.
The Spin
Narrative A
The new government represents a strategic attempt to build a stable coalition through experienced ministers and technocrats, demonstrating Macron's commitment to fiscal responsibility and political compromise in addressing France's economic challenges. Bayrou can maintain stability until France's next parliamentary elections.
Narrative B
François Bayrou won't last the winter and will replace Barnier to become the prime minister with the shortest stint in France's Fifth Republic. The new government formation process has failed to achieve true political renewal, instead maintaining dependency on far-right support. Bayrou's government is maintained for and by the far right, raising concerns about democratic legitimacy and effective governance.
