French PM Appoints New Cabinet Ahead of Christmas, Aiming to 'Restore Trust'
On Monday evening, ten days after François Bayrou was appointed Prime Minister, the new government was announced in France. The French prime minister promised to form a new government by Christmas.
‘I am very proud of the team we present tonight,’ Bayrou said on X, adding that his “experienced” cabinet will seek to “restore trust”.
The names of the ministers were announced by the Secretary General of the Elysee Palace, Alexis Collier.
Among the new and old ministers, Gérald Darmanin, former interior minister, became justice minister.
The hard work of developing the budget plan for next year falls to Eric Lombard, the head of the state-owned lender Caisse des Depots (CDC), who has been appointed economy minister.
Elisabeth Born, a former prime minister, will head the Education Ministry.
Seven ministers from the previous government retained their positions, namely: Sébastien Lecornu remains Minister of the Armed Forces, Jean-Noël Barrot remains Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Benjamin Adad will continue to serve as Minister for Europe. Bruno Ritayo retained his position at the Ministry of the Interior. Rachida Dati will also remain Minister of Culture, and Anne Genevar will remain Minister of Agriculture. Agnès Pannier-Runacker will remain the Minister for the Environmental Transition, and Catherine Vautrin will remain the Minister of Labour.
In total, the Bayrou government consists of more than 30 ministers and will meet for the first time on 3 January 2025.