France’s New Prime Minister Michel Barnier Pledges Inclusive Government

France’s newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier has declared that his forthcoming government will not be exclusively right-wing. In an interview with French public television TF1 on Friday evening, Barnier emphasized that his administration would include members from his own party, Les Républicains (The Republicans), as well as individuals from the previous government and even left-wing parties.

Since taking office on Thursday, Barnier has consistently denounced sectarianism as a sign of weakness. He told TF1 that he is open to bringing together “competent men and women” from various political backgrounds. Barnier indicated that, if necessary, he would consider the proportional representation of political parties, including the far-right National Rally (RN), which holds the most seats in the National Assembly.

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“But I need to discuss with all the political groups,” Barnier added.

During the interview, Barnier also addressed his priorities, including controlling “migratory flows with concrete measures.” He stressed the need to approach immigration with both rigor and compassion, acknowledging that effective solutions are not exclusive to any one party or ideology.

In addition to immigration, Barnier highlighted his focus on budget management, economic growth, and improving retirement reform. His remarks come as he begins his term following his nomination by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

At the handover ceremony, Barnier vowed to tackle the nation’s “challenges, anger, suffering, and sense of abandonment and injustice.” His immediate task is to form a government capable of preparing a draft budget for 2025 by October 1, which will then be presented to the National Assembly for approval.

Michel Barnier, a 73-year-old former Foreign Minister and recent Brexit negotiator for the European Union, has become the oldest Prime Minister in modern French history.