France's Macron Unveils New Government Ahead of Budget Deadline
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday unveiled a new government, just days before the deadline to present next year's budget to parliament. The move comes as Macron faces growing pressure from workers and unions protesting his austerity measures.
According to a lineup published by the president's office, Jean-Noel Barrot remains as foreign minister, while outgoing Labour Minister Catherine Vautrin takes on the defense portfolio. Roland Lescure, a Macron loyalist, will serve as economy minister. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez will take over as interior minister.
The new government is seen as a bid by Macron to shore up his support ahead of the budget deadline. "We are committed to implementing our economic and social reforms," Macron said in a statement. "This new government will work tirelessly to ensure the success of these efforts."
Macron's decision to unveil a new government comes amid growing protests from workers and unions, who have been demanding an end to austerity measures and spending cuts. The president has faced criticism for his handling of the economy, with some accusing him of prioritizing the interests of big business over those of ordinary citizens.
The budget deadline is looming large, with Macron's government facing a tight timeline to present its proposals to parliament. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that the budget is passed on time," said Sebastien Lecornu, the newly re-appointed prime minister.
Lecornu's new cabinet includes several new faces, including former education minister Gabriel Attal, who has been appointed as a junior minister for European affairs. The appointments are seen as an effort by Macron to inject fresh blood into his government and boost his popularity among voters.
The unveiling of the new government comes after weeks of speculation about Macron's plans for his cabinet. The president had faced criticism for his handling of the previous government, which was seen as too close to big business.
Macron's decision to unveil a new government is also seen as an effort to distract from growing protests and demonstrations across France. Workers have been taking to the streets to demand better wages and working conditions, while unions have been calling for an end to austerity measures and spending cuts.
The budget deadline is now just days away, with Macron's government facing a tight timeline to present its proposals to parliament. The outcome of the budget debate will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for France's economy and social policies.
Background:
Macron has been under pressure from workers and unions since he announced plans to cut spending and implement austerity measures in his 2025 budget proposal. The move was seen as a bid by Macron to tackle France's growing national debt and stimulate economic growth, but it has been met with fierce resistance from those who argue that the cuts will disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.
Additional Perspectives:
The unveiling of the new government has been welcomed by some as a sign that Macron is listening to critics and making changes. "This is a positive development," said Jean-Pierre Foucault, a member of parliament for Macron's party. "We are committed to working with the president to ensure the success of his economic and social reforms."
However, others have criticized the move as an attempt by Macron to distract from growing protests and demonstrations across France. "This is just a PR stunt," said Laurent Berger, secretary-general of the CFDT union. "The president needs to listen to workers and unions, not just appoint new ministers."
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
