The new French government dominated by centrists and conservatives

A leftist coalition secured the most seats in the June-July parliamentary elections, but failed to win a majority. Student groups and activists from the hard-left France Unbowed party staged protests across the country on Saturday against a government they say is rejecting the will of voters.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister earlier this month, although Barnier’s Republican party had a poor showing in the election and Barnier assembled the government after difficult negotiations. Macron approved, and it was announced at the presidential palace.

Marine Le Pen’s far-right anti-immigration National Rally party has no seats in Barnier’s government but has enough votes in parliament to topple him. The party won an indirect victory with the appointment of staunch conservative Bruno Retailleau as the new interior minister, whose duties include critical domestic issues such as national security, immigration and law enforcement.

The structure and direction of France’s government is important because the country is a leading voice in EU policy, among the world’s largest economies and a nuclear-armed, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.

The 39-member cabinet primarily includes ministers from Macron’s centrist alliance and conservative Republicans.

Jean-Noël Barrot is the new foreign minister, a centrist politician known for his work on digital transformation and European affairs. He brings extensive experience in dealing with complex international issues, particularly within the EU.

The new finance minister is Antoine Armand, an emerging figure in French politics now tasked with leading France’s fiscal policies and managing the future 2025 budget amid pressure from Brussels to tackle France’s soaring debt.

Sébastien Lecornu retains his position as Minister of Defense. He played a key role in strengthening France’s military capabilities, including modernizing defense systems and managing military aid to Ukraine. His defense leadership will be crucial as France navigates its role in NATO and deals with rising geopolitical tensions over the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Barnier’s ability to govern effectively is already under scrutiny, with his left-wing political opponents vowing to challenge him at every turn and the far-right saying they will closely monitor the government.

The left-wing New Popular Front alliance surprised many by winning the most seats in the risky snap election Macron called following a far-right victory in the European Parliament election.

But the New Popular Front was not given the chance to form a minority government and refused to make concessions and join a more left-wing governing alliance.

Barnier, a 73-year-old political veteran known for his role as the European Union’s Brexit negotiator, is no stranger to complex political tasks. However, forming a government that can survive in such a divided parliament will test his vast experience and political acumen.

Barnier’s first major political test will come on October 1 when he delivers his general policy speech to the National Assembly.