Macron appoints François Bayrou as new prime minister

Paris, December 13, 2024 — François Bayrou, 73, has been appointed France’s new prime minister after Michel Barnier’s government was toppled by a no-confidence vote on December 4.

Bayrou, a centrist and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was named to the role Friday afternoon, following a nearly two-hour discussion at the Elysée Palace.

Despite being popular with some far-right National Rally MPs, Bayrou’s appointment has not been universally welcomed. Far-right MP Philippe Ballard said, “If Bayrou is confirmed, we’ll give him a chance, just like we did with Barnier.”

But the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party is already planning a no-confidence vote against the new prime minister.

Bayrou replaces Barnier, who was ousted after attempting to pass next year’s social security budget without a vote in Parliament. The controversial move sparked the no-confidence motion.

Macron, who had promised to name a new prime minister within 48 hours, cut short his trip to Poland to finalize the decision.

Now, Bayrou’s challenge is to form a government that can navigate a divided parliament. With no clear majority following Macron’s snap election earlier this year, passing the 2025 budget will be a tough task.

Details on the new cabinet are expected soon, as Bayrou prepares for his next big test.