The newly appointed prime minister of France expressed his hope to form a long-awaited government “before Sunday” while President Emmanuel Macron considered a lineup that represents a turn to the right, with left-wingers scheduled to demonstrate on Saturday.
According to Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s office, the complete lineup, which has new faces in practically every important position, is scheduled for “final fine-tuning” following two and a half months of impasse brought on by a lackluster legislative election.
Although there didn’t seem to be any significant surprises or well-known newcomers to the cabinet, new ministers of foreign, economic, and interior affairs will be appointed; the defense minister is the only important state job that is expected to stay the same.
A source close to Macron’s political group told AFP that Barnier is suggesting Europe Minister Jean-Noel Barrot be appointed foreign minister, on condition of anonymity.
The 41-year-old would receive significant exposure from the move, which would be a great boost to his impressive media appearances, but increasing France’s profile internationally would be difficult.
According to multiple sources who talked with AFP, Bruno Retailleau, the leader of the right-wing Republicans (LR) faction in the French upper chamber Senate, is set to take over as interior minister.
Getting the interior ministry, which is in charge of domestic security and law enforcement, would be a significant victory for the right.
And Antoine Armand, the 33-year-old leader of the parliament’s economic affairs commission, will probably make another quick ascent to the position of economy minister.
Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who is thought to have a close and trustworthy connection with Macron, is one important individual who is reportedly remaining on.
