France Unveils New Government Under Bayrou

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed François Bayrou as the new Prime Minister, marking a significant cabinet reshuffle aimed at addressing the political crisis and passing a crucial 2025 budget amidst a looming deficit exceeding six percent of GDP. Bayrou's cabinet includes both centrist and conservative figures, such as former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne as education minister and Eric Lombard, head of Caisse des Dépôts, as economy minister, tasked with drafting a budget that minimizes public spending. The new team faces skepticism due to the fractured political landscape, where the far-right and left-wing coalition hold a majority, posing significant challenges to legislative success. Critics, including leaders from the Socialist Party and National Rally, have expressed doubts about Bayrou's ability to govern effectively, recalling the swift downfall of his predecessor Michel Barnier. The urgency is compounded by a temporary law passed to avoid a government shutdown, which does not address long-term funding needs or fulfill promises to various stakeholders. As the National Assembly reconvenes on January 13, the pressure mounts for Bayrou to secure the support necessary for the new budget.