Paris, 23 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The new French government under Prime Minister François Bayrou was presented in Paris on Monday, almost three weeks after the collapse of the previous administration.

The names of the new ministers were read out at the Élysée Palace, with a number of key members retaining their posts, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

Bayrou's government is largely reliant on the same centrist and conservative forces that supported his predecessor Michel Barnier, who lost a vote of confidence in the National Assembly earlier this month due to opposition from left-wing parties and the far right.

The new administration is bolstered by several political heavyweights, including two former prime ministers - Manuel Valls and Élisabeth Borne - as well as former interior minister Gérald Darmanin.

However, it remains unclear if the new government will be able to remain in office for long, with left-wing parties such as the Socialists and Communists signalling their disappointment after talks with Bayrou.

France has been mired in a deep political crisis since President Emmanuel Macron called snap parliamentary elections in June, with no party emerging with a majority.

At the same time, the country is facing a critical economic situation amid soaring national debt and a large budgetary deficit.

Bayrou's government statement is expected on 14 January.

Photo: EPA