Macron Names New Government Amid Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has named a new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, marking a shift to the right after an inconclusive parliamentary election. This government includes a mix of Macron’s centrist allies and conservative Republicans, with key positions going to Bruno Retailleau as interior minister and Jean-Noel Barrot as foreign minister. The primary challenge for Barnier is to address France’s serious financial situation with a 2025 budget plan. Despite Macron's strategic move, opposition from both the left and far-right remains strong, with confidence motions and protests already being promised. The new government aims to stabilize the political landscape, but Macron’s recent political maneuvers have left him more isolated and weakened his coalition’s cohesion.