France's incoming interior minister vows to 'restore order' as new government takes over

FRANCE 24

23 September 2024 at 6:14 am·1-min read

France's new right-leaning government held its first meeting early on Monday, with Prime Minister Michel Barnier presiding over a working breakfast before a first official cabinet meeting at the Élysée Palace later in the day. Incoming Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said that his priority would be to "restore order" as he took the reins of his ministry.

The long wait for the new French government – 11 weeks after a snap election called by President Emmanuel Macron – ended on Saturday when a new team was announced that marks a shift to the right.

Macron angered many by unveiling a right-leaning government, despite the leftist New Popular Front alliance winning more seats than any other coalition in the June-July legislative vote. The leftist opposition has already said it will hold a no-confidence motion in parliament at its earliest opportunity.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier urged those in his freshly appointed cabinet to be "beyond reproach and modest" as they take up their portfolios and to "show respect for all our fellow citizens" as they met for the first time.

Barnier on Monday rejected the criticism from the left, insisting his ministerial lineup was "progressive and pro-European".

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