French Prime Minister Michel Barnier Unveils ⁣New 39-Member Government

Two⁢ weeks‌ after‌ his appointment, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has ⁢unveiled his new ‍39-member government.

The new government​ consists of⁣ 39 ministers, with the presidential camp ⁢holding an advantage over the right, which has secured leading portfolios.

Key Appointments and‍ Retentions

Prime‌ Minister Barnier has retained Rachida Dati as Culture Minister and Sébastien Lecornu as Armed⁢ Forces Minister, the ⁤only two ministers to ‌keep their jobs.

Bruno Retailleau, a⁤ senator from Vendée and a⁣ figure of the conservative‍ right, has been appointed as the new⁤ Minister of the ⁣Interior. Retailleau, 63,⁢ is known‌ for advocating a firm policy on immigration and will be⁣ exercising his ‍first ministerial functions.

Laurence Garnier, a controversial figure due to her conservative positions, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs after ⁤a ⁢two-day debate.

Other Notable Appointments

Jean-Noël Barrot, a member of the MoDem party, has​ been ⁣promoted to Foreign Affairs Minister. Catherine Vautrin, a Macronist, has⁣ been appointed as Minister for Partnership with the​ territories and Devolution.

Guillaume Kasbarian ⁢has been appointed as ​Minister for the Civil Service, while Agnès⁣ Pannier-Runachier has been appointed ⁤as Minister for Ecological​ and Energy Transition.

Economic and‌ Financial Appointments

Antoine Armand, an inexperienced Macronist, has been appointed as​ Minister of​ Economy, ‍Finance and Industry. Laurent Saint-Martin, a ‍former MP, has‍ been⁣ appointed⁣ as Budget Minister⁤ and​ will report directly ‌to Matignon.

The development of finance laws ⁢for 2025 is seen as ‍a top priority, with a focus on⁤ addressing budgetary slippage and​ sluggish growth.