PARIS: France’s new premier on Saturday said that he is hoping to finalize a long-awaited government “before Sunday”.
The full line-up of the new administration, includes fresh faces in almost all major posts, said office of Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The new government will be formed in France after two-and-a-half months of deadlock created by inconclusive legislative polls.
Though there will be no major surprises or big-name entrants into the cabinet, there are set to be new economy, foreign and interior ministers.
According to reports Barnier has proposed Europe Minister Jean-Noel Barrot as new foreign minister while Bruno Retailleau, who heads the faction of the right-wing The Republicans (LR) in France’s upper house Senate, is to take on the interior ministry.
While Antoine Armand, the 33-year-old head of parliament’s economic affairs commission could be installed as economy minister.
One key figure that will be staying is Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who is believed to enjoy a close relationship with President Macron.
Barnier was at the Elysee Palace on Thursday to discuss the new nominations with Macron. Macron could veto Barnier’s proposals but the decision would cause immense tensions with his premier at this stage.
There had been tensions between Macron and Barnier, over the balance of the government. French media said that Barnier had even discussed the possibility of resigning just days into the job, however, tensions were later resolved.
Barnier, right-winger and the European Union’s former top Brexit negotiator was appointed by Macron in an attempt to breach the impasse earlier this month.
Macron hoped to reassert his majority in parliament by calling for the polls in late June and early July, but the plan backfired.
