France announces fourth cabinet in 2024, but not sure to maintain

The cabinet includes both former prime ministers, as well as a majority of conservatives and centrists. Specifically, Ms. Elisabeth Borne will be Minister of Education . Mr. Manuel Valls, 62, will become Minister of Overseas Territories. Former Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin will be appointed Minister of Justice.

Both Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot retained their positions.

However, it remains unclear whether the new government can last long, with left-wing parties expressing disappointment after negotiations with newly appointed Prime Minister Bayrou.

“This is not a government, it is a provocation,” Socialist Party leader and member of parliament Olivier Faure said in a social media post.

France has been mired in a deep political crisis since President Emmanuel Macron called early parliamentary elections in June, resulting in a "hung parliament" with no party winning a majority of seats.

At the same time, France is facing a dire economic situation amid soaring national debt and large budget deficits.

Just before the official announcement, right-wing politician Xavier Bertrand, who was expected to take over as health minister, announced he would not join the new cabinet.

Meanwhile, far-right leader Marine Le Pen believes Mr Macron will eventually have to resign because of the political crisis at home. "I am preparing for an early presidential election," she told French newspaper Le Parisien last week.

Bui Huy (DPA, France24, AFP)