The New French Government: A Shift to the Right

The recent appointment of Michel Barnier as France's new prime minister has sparked controversy, as he has chosen a conservative senator for the key post of interior minister. This move is seen as a significant shift to the right, as it marks the first time in over a decade that a government has taken on such a conservative tone. The government's composition is a result of difficult negotiations between the various parties in the National Assembly, which has led to a hung parliament. Barnier's government is faced with tense budget negotiations, which are expected to include unpopular spending cuts. One of the most notable appointments is that of Bruno Retailleau, a conservative senator known for his hard line on immigration and harsh criticism of President Emmanuel Macron. He will be overseeing police and security, replacing political heavyweight Gérald Darmanin. In contrast, centrist figures from Macron's party have been selected for key ministries, such as the ministry for foreign affairs, which is being led by Jean-Noël Barrot. This move has been seen as a way for Macron to maintain a degree of control over the government, despite Barnier's conservative leanings. The government's rightward tilt has been met with criticism from both the left and the right. Leftist activists have held protests in Paris and elsewhere, demanding that Macron's government take a more progressive approach. The Green party leader, Marine Tondelier, has described the government as "indecent" and "shameful". For his part, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right Rassemblement National party, has hinted that she may be willing to bring down Barnier's government if she believes that it is not in the best interests of France. This has raised concerns about the stability of the government and the potential for further unrest in the coming months.