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What to know about France's new government.

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Key Takeaways on the New French Government

With 39 members, this is the largest government since 2017. The perimeters of several portfolios have been rethought, notably at the Ministry of Economy and Finances. This new structure reflects Prime Minister (PM) Michel Barnier's desire to keep a close eye on budgetary and European issues, as demonstrated by his first address to Parliament on October 1^st.

A lean towards the right

With 10 members from right-wing party Les Républicains, the new government leans further to the right than its predecessors. However, it remains dominated by the former presidential majority, with 17 ministerial portfolios for centrist parties Renaissance, Modem and Horizons. The only Social Democrat is Justice Minister Didier Migaud.

As a result, the government line is likely to become more right-wing on issues such as immigration control and security, which Barnier said would be priorities.
Addressing public finances

In other policy areas, however, little change is to be expected. Michel Barnier is likely to continue the supply-side policy put in place by Emmanuel Macron, with a slightly more social bent. In his first address to Parliament, Barnier pledged to bring France’s deficit back to 5% in 2025 and 3 % in 2029. The next Budget Bill is expected to provide for €60 billion in savings, either through spending cuts (two-thirds of the fiscal effort) or tax increases on big corporations and wealthy households (one-third of the fiscal effort).
Collaboration between Macron and Bernier

Effective coordination between the President and a PM who aspires to be more than a mere collaborator, as well as between ministers from political parties that are former opponents, will be a major challenge, as demonstrated by the appointment of a Minister responsible for Government Coordination.
Limited Lifespan?

The government will have a difficult road ahead, starting with the introduction of unpopular fiscal tightening measures. Its lack of a majority in Parliament will also make it vulnerable to motions of no-confidence and restrict its control over the law-making process. For these reasons, combined with political calculations in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election, the government's lifespan could be limited.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier

France’s oldest-ever PM at 73 years of age, Barnier is a seasoned politician and technocrat from conservative Les Républicains party who has held senior ministerial positions at French and EU level.

In nearly 15 years in Brussels, he notably served as Internal Market Commissioner in charge of financial services regulation following the 2008 crisis and as Brexit negotiator – an experience that sets him apart on the French political scene.

His economic policy views can be described as mainstream French with a social bent, but the direction of policy will largely depend on his parliamentary backing and France’s budgetary room.

Barnier is expected to take an interest in the UK government’s proposals to improve the EU-UK relationship, although it will not be his top priority. He is likely to support a closer relationship, particularly on security and foreign affairs, but within the framework of existing Brexit agreements