French PM unveils new cabinet, including two former prime ministers

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou unveils the new government on Monday and his predecessor Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote on Dec. 4.  

PARIS, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou unveiled a new government on Monday, appointing two former prime ministers, Manuel Valls and Elisabeth Borne, to his cabinet, according to a press release from the Elysee.

Bayrou has downsized the new government to 14 full ministries. Valls will head the Ministry of Overseas Territories, while Borne will lead the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research.

Three ministers from the previous administration led by Michel Barnier will retain their positions, including Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, Sebastian Lecornu as minister of armed forces, and Jean-Noel Barrot as minister of Europe and foreign affairs.

Four female ministers from Barnier's government have also joined Bayrou's cabinet. Rachida Dati will oversee the Ministry of Culture, while Catherine Vautrin takes on the portfolio of minister of work, health, solidarities and families. Agnes Pannier-Runacher remains in charge of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forest, Sea and Fisheries. Annie Genevard has been appointed minister of agriculture and food sovereignty.

To work out a 2025 budget, Bayrou selected Eric Lombard as the new minister of economy, finance and industrial and digital sovereignty.

Following the announcement, Bayrou expressed pride in the newly formed cabinet, describing it as "a collective of experience to reconcile and renew trust with all French people" in a post on his X account.

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Bayrou as prime minister on Dec. 13, following Barnier's ouster in a vote of no confidence on Dec. 4.

The first Council of Ministers under the new government is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2025.  ■