Meet the key ministers shaping France's new government

RFI

22 September 2024 at 4:06 am·1-min read

After months of political deadlock following July’s snap elections, France has a new government. Prime Minister Michel Barnier unveiled the cabinet late Saturday, with conservatives and centrists taking the lead – signalling a shift to the right. Here's a breakdown of the key ministers.

Antoine Armand, finance minister

A relative newcomer to politics, Armand, 33, was first elected to parliament in 2022 on the centrist ticket of Macron's camp and was re-elected in July's snap legislative election.

In the new parliament, he had been set to head the economic committee in the lower house until Barnier tapped him for the top job at the powerful Ministry of Economics and Finance.

Armand is no stranger to "Bercy" as the ministry is often called in France, having joined its elite corps of finance inspectors after graduating in 2018 from the prestigious Ecole Nationale d'Administration – a training college for future senior civil servants that Macron also attended.

He will be seconded by Laurent Saint-Martin on budget issues, a delicate portfolio that will report directly to the prime minister, as France struggles to contain a rising budget deficit and contemplates spending cuts and tax hikes.

Tilt to right as French PM Barnier appoints government after months of deadlock

Bruno Retailleau, interior minister

Lecornu, a Macron loyalist, remains in his post at the helm of the Defence Ministry.

(Reuters)

Australian Associated Press
GWS players investigated over distressing allegations
The AFL could hand down suspensions and fines after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were levelled against a number of GWS players.
Australian Associated Press
'Slogan salad': Barbs exchanged at Qld election debate
The Queensland premier and opposition leader have butted heads in their second leadership debate, with abortion laws emerging as a key issue ahead of the poll.
Australian Associated Press
'Handmaids' protest ahead of abortion vote
Protesters dressed as "handmaids" have led a protest at SA's parliament, as it prepares to vote on a bill they say infringes on women's rights to healthcare.
Australian Associated Press
Shai Bolton's Fremantle move keeping it in the family
Two-time Richmond premiership winner Shai Bolton says he's looking forward to regularly playing in front of family and friends after moving to Fremantle.
Australian Associated Press
MP breaks party ranks on transgender birth certificates
A NSW Liberal MP has broken with ranks and accused her leaders of fearmongering over laws that make it easier for transgender people modify birth certificates.
Australian Associated Press
Billions poured into defence precinct, creating jobs
Billions of dollars will be poured into a new defence precinct in WA, which is being touted as a rival to the mining industry for jobs and economic growth.
Australian Associated Press
Stars return, unsatisfied Diamonds hunt elusive NZ win
Australia's netballers have dominated the Constellation Cup but coach Stacey Marinkovich is unsatisfied with their success rate in New Zealand.
Australian Associated Press
Aged care providers sound alarm on their own future
Half of residential aged care providers say they are losing money, as the industry raised concerns about how it'll cope with Australia's ageing population.
Australian Associated Press
Australia admonishes Israeli, backs US Gaza aid call
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned the number of civilian deaths in Gaza and backed an American ultimatum to Israel to force an rise in the flow of aid.
Australian Associated Press
'I will bowl whatever Patty needs me to': Mitch Marsh
Cameron Green's serious back injury has put more pressure on allrounder Mitch Marsh to be able to carry a bigger bowling load against India this summer.
Australian Associated Press
Tigers add to AFL draft bounty with Bolton, Rioli deals
With the Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli trades confirmed, Richmond now have a whopping eight picks in the first round of this year's AFL draft.
Australian Associated Press
Why Sydney passed on chance to sign Wanderers star Mata
Western Sydney Wanderers' big-name recruit Juan Mata could have been a Sydney FC player before the Sky Blues made other transfer moves.
Australian Associated Press
The LA boot camp behind Alex Toohey's hot NBL start
On song to begin his second year with the Sydney Kings, Alex Toohey has detailed his pre-season boot camp with a renowned mentor to the NBA stars.
Australian Associated Press
Bulk of CFMEU probe evidence relates to coercion
Dozens of incidents within the embattled CFMEU are being investigated after it was placed into administration following criminal allegations.
Australian Associated Press
'Invisible, sidelined': landmark count for fatal cancer
People with metastatic breast cancer often feel invisible but world-leading research to understand its prevalence could mean better support.
Australian Associated Press
Major loophole might have helped hundreds access guns
Police have dismantled a scheme allegedly involving fraudulent documents being used for gun licences, but it might have put weapons in the hands of crime gangs.
Australian Associated Press
'Deep concerns' about tunnel Christmas party gone wrong
Senior NSW ministers have condemned a bespoke party that resulted in a woman suffering spinal injuries inside a Sydney tunnelling project.
Australian Associated Press
'Coercive' judge found guilty of assaulting ex-partner
A Supreme Court judge has been found guilty of assaulting and intimidating his ex-partner, with a magistrate describing his version of events as "contrived".
Australian Associated Press
Money launderer faces jail, deportation for $30m job
A Chinese national faces the prospect of being deported after trying to conceal hundreds of bank deposits in a $30 million money laundering operation.
Australian Associated Press
Millions of Australians stalked, women often targeted
Women are more likely to have been stalked than men, with one in seven Australians revealing they have been subjected to the behaviour since they were a teen.

Antoine Armand, finance minister

Bruno Retailleau, interior minister

Latest stories