On December 23, 2024, France announced a new government led by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, marking his fourth appointment in a year. This cabinet is tasked with managing the country's financial challenges and advancing the 2025 budget amidst political instability.
The government comprises a mix of former ministers and senior civil servants, aiming to restore confidence in the French economy. Key appointments include Eric Lombard as finance minister, Amelie de Montchalin as budget minister, and Bruno Retailleau remaining as interior minister. Former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne takes on the role of education minister.
The formation of this government follows a prolonged period of political deadlock and pressure from financial markets regarding France's rising debt. Bayrou has been under pressure to ensure the survival of his government against potential no-confidence votes from opposition parties.
Additionally, the announcement coincided with a national day of mourning for victims of a cyclone in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory. The new government faces immediate challenges, including the passage of a cost-cutting budget for 2025, a task complicated by the fractured parliament resulting from recent snap elections.