The newly elected French Prime Minister, François Bayrou, is under scrutiny for not yet announcing his cabinet despite promises of finalizing it before Christmas.
The announcement, originally expected over the weekend, was postponed to Monday evening due to a national day of mourning for victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte.
The extended delay follows discussions between Bayrou and President Emmanuel Macron, who returned from Ethiopia on Sunday. Macron’s presence in France is seen as crucial for the government’s official announcement, making Monday evening a potential deadline. However, with Christmas Eve approaching on Tuesday, the timeline remains tight.
Bayrou aims for a politically balanced and streamlined government, composed of an equal mix of ministers from the left, center, and right, with gender parity. The new cabinet is expected to include only about 20 ministers, significantly fewer than the previous government led by Michel Barnier, which had 36 members.
François Bayrou’s anticipated cabinet reshuffle includes several familiar names likely to retain or assume key positions. Bruno Retailleau, the current Interior Minister, is expected to stay on after securing support for his immigration policies, French media reported.
Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture and mayor of Paris’s 7th arrondissement, remains a strong candidate for reappointment, benefiting from backing at the Élysée and among Sarkozy loyalists. Meanwhile, Sébastien Lecornu, despite reported tensions with Bayrou, is poised to continue handling defense and international relations due to his close ties with President Macron.
Jean-Noël Barrot, the current Foreign Affairs Minister and a trusted ally of Bayrou, may retain his position, though rumors suggest his portfolio could go to a more prominent political figure. Health Minister, Geneviève Darrieussecq, has played a crucial role in addressing the health crisis in Mayotte, making her another likely holdover.
Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France region, is in discussions for a cabinet role related to social or economic matters, reported Franceinfo.While his potential inclusion faces resistance from the far-right National Rally, they may tolerate his appointment to a less prominent ministry.
Other potential appointments include Pierre Moscovici, whose term as President of the Court of Auditors is ending and whose prospective role in Bayrou’s government remains uncertain. François Rebsamen, a former mayor of Dijon and minister under François Hollande, is open to joining the cabinet if given clarity on policy details.
Former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne is rumored for a high-ranking position, possibly in education, while Patrick Mignola, a seasoned Modem parliamentarian, could handle government relations. Sarah El Haïry, a Modem member and former Secretary of State, is one of the few potential female newcomers but faces challenges due to her recent electoral defeat.
The extended deliberations have sparked criticism and speculation, with Bayrou under pressure to meet his self-imposed deadline. His choices are expected to reflect his vision of political cohesion and balance while addressing the complex dynamics of French governance.