François Bayrou Appointed France's New Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed François Bayrou as his fourth prime minister in 2024 amid ongoing political instability. Bayrou, a seasoned centrist politician and close ally of Macron, is tasked with navigating the government through its second political crisis in six months, with a primary focus on passing a special law to extend the 2024 budget. He faces significant challenges due to a divided parliament with three rival factions, which previously contributed to the ousting of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier. While Bayrou is expected to announce his cabinet soon, his close ties to the unpopular Macron may hinder his efforts to garner legislative support. Reactions to his appointment have been mixed, with calls for cooperation from some opposition leaders, while others remain critical. The impending battle over the 2025 budget, crucial for addressing France’s 6% deficit, looms large as a potential test of Bayrou's leadership.