New cabinet of François Bayrou seeks stability in a complex political environment.

The government of François Bayrou has taken shape with the recent presentation of the new ministerial cabinet, a team characterized by its continuity with the previous administration and that introduces some notable figures into the French political sphere. The list of ministers was revealed by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Alexis Kohler, at a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace. Despite the inclusion of Manuel Valls, former Prime Minister and a controversial figure, the rest of the lineup aligns with the names that had been circulating in the weeks prior. Élisabeth Borne, who served as Prime Minister during a period marked by the controversial pension reform, takes on a significant role in the new government as Minister of Education, becoming the number two in the administration. Her return is seen as an attempt to maintain stability and continuity in a critical area, given the impact education has on French society. Gérald Darmanin, known for his proximity to the more conservative wing of Macronism, assumes the Ministry of Justice. His appointment suggests a firmer approach to public order and social justice issues, in a context where politics and security have been recurring themes on the national agenda. Darmanin's selection reflects Bayrou's desire to consolidate an image of strength in government, especially on sensitive topics like immigration and law. One of the most critical portfolios, the Ministry of Economy, has been awarded to Éric Lombard, who previously served as the General Director of the Caisse des Dépôts. Lombard will face the challenge of drafting a new austerity budget for the year 2025, in an effort to reduce the French deficit, which is projected to reach 6.1% of Gross Domestic Product this year. This goal is essential for the economic stability of the country and is a task that could determine the success or failure of the new cabinet. The inclusion of Manuel Valls in the government, as Minister of Overseas Territories, represents an unexpected turn. His responsibility for the reconstruction of Mayotte, devastated by a cyclone, and his management of relations with territories like New Caledonia, place him in a delicate position. Despite his distancing from the current Socialist Party, his appointment can be interpreted as Bayrou's attempt to attract a broader electorate and signal to the political diversity in France. François Rebsamen, another former minister from François Hollande's administration, joins the cabinet as Minister of Territorial Policy and Decentralization. His appointment also suggests an intention to give voice to sectors that feel distanced from current politics, at a time when decentralization and attention to the regions are increasingly relevant topics. On the other hand, Bruno Retailleau, the current Minister of the Interior, retains his position in the new government. Retailleau, a prominent figure from The Republicans, is known for his hardline stance on immigration, which could indicate that Bayrou's government will continue a firm approach on security and border control issues. His presence in the cabinet could facilitate an understanding with the more conservative sectors of French politics. Bayrou's new government, although backed by well-known and experienced names, also faces the challenge of diversifying its support in an increasingly fragmented political landscape. The strategy of retaining figures from the previous administration alongside new faces may be seen as an attempt at stability, but it could also provoke criticism for a lack of innovation and renewed vision in politics. This continuity government will also have to deal with public expectations, which are seeking effective responses to issues such as unemployment, the cost of living crisis, and social dissatisfaction. The ability of this new cabinet to address these challenges will be crucial for its legitimacy and longevity in power. Recent history in France has shown that governments that fail to connect with the needs of the citizenry are quickly questioned and, at times, ousted. With a focus marked by continuity and the inclusion of figures from different political backgrounds, the future of this government will depend on its ability to navigate a complex political environment, where opposition is growing and social pressure is unrelenting. The coming months will be decisive in assessing not only Bayrou and his team's capabilities but also the direction France will take in an uncertain global context.