French Prime Minister Michel Barnier dropped political fireworks this weekend, unveiling a 39-member government dominated by center-right allies – sparking instant backlash from left-wing parties crying foul play. The reshuffle comes as France braces for budget battles and rising public discontent.
New Faces, Old Divides
Barnier’s cabinet blends Macron loyalists (7 ministers) with conservatives (3 from his Republican party), including 33-year-old finance whiz Antoine Armand. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau vowed to crack down on chaos, posting on X: ‘Order = Harmony’ . But critics eye the lack of left-wing voices despite their strong election showing.
Left Slams ‘Losers’ Govt’
Socialist leader Olivier Faure accused Barnier of ‘flipping off democracy’, while fiery far-left figure Jean-Luc Melenchon dismissed the cabinet as ‘legacy rejects’ on X. Both pledged a no-confidence vote – though they’ll need far-right support to win. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen dismissed the lineup as ‘recycled leftovers’, demanding radical change.
Budget Crunch Time
Barnier – Macron’s pick to cool France’s political fever – now races to draft a 2025 budget that balances EU debt rules with public demands. Can this drama-filled coalition survive? Stay tuned – October’s Assembly vote could rewrite the script.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
The reshuffle comes as France braces for budget battles and rising public discontent.
. But critics eye the lack of left-wing voices despite their strong election showing.
