Francois Bayrou Appointed as France's New Prime Minister

In an effort to stabilize the French government, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou as the new Prime Minister on Friday. This appointment follows the resignation of Michel Barnier after his government was ousted by a vote of no confidence on December 5. This marks the first instance of a government being toppled by a vote of no confidence in France since 1962.

An unexpected coalition between left-wing and far-right opposition parties led to the downfall of Barnier's administration. The New Popular Front (NFP) and Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) party joined forces against the 2025 budget plans that included tax increases and cuts in public spending.

Bayrou begins his role as France's fourth Prime Minister this year, highlighting the political challenges that Macron faces. The President had planned to announce his successor a day after Barnier's resignation but was unable to do so within his own set 48-hour timeframe after a meeting with party leaders on Tuesday.

The recent political instability began with Macron's attempt to strengthen his centrist coalition in the National Assembly through legislative elections held in June and July. However, the elections resulted in a weakening of his party's position.

Prior to Barnier, Gabriel Attal served as the youngest Prime Minister in the country’s modern history beginning in January, and before him, Elisabeth Borne held the position. Macron's appointment of Bayrou is seen as a step toward addressing the ongoing political deadlock and the issues related to France's budget deficit.