On September 19, 2024, Michel Barnier arrived at the Elysée Palace just before 8 pm to present Emmanuel Macron with the list of ministers for his future government. After fifteen days of intense behind-the-scenes negotiations, punctuated by outbursts, slammed doors, and threats of resignation, the Prime Minister, with pursed lips, handed over the list. Barnier, a confident former European Commissioner, aimed to create a “balanced” team that reflects the diverse composition of the National Assembly. Thirty-eight ministers, including sixteen full members, are expected to be part of the government, with a focus on appointing “competent” individuals.
Key positions in the government are said to be filled by seven members of Ensemble pour la République (EPR), three members of Les Républicains (LR), two from the MoDem party led by François Bayrou, and one from Horizons, the party of Edouard Philippe. The team is described as “ready to act,” and Matignon charges President Macron with approving the submitted list. Despite the absence of an official announcement on Thursday evening, the Elysée indicates that Macron, who has pledged not to interfere in the exercise of power, will endorse the list. The next government announcement is merely a matter of hours away, awaiting final verification from the Haute Autorité pour la transparence de la vie publique (HATVP).
The suspense surrounding the composition of the new government was mostly dispelled on Thursday evening, as names of potential ministers from various political groups began to surface. Michal Barnier is said to have carefully selected ministers from each political family without seeking to create a spectacle. While he claims to bring about a “rupture,” the team’s profile bears a strong resemblance to the previous government, with the addition of heavyweight members from Les Républicains, highlighting a potential shift towards the right in Macron’s mandate. The absence of left-wing personalities in the initial list contributes to the perception of imbalance within the new team.
The new government is expected to be presented before Sunday, following a “constructive” exchange between Prime Minister Barnier and President Macron. The last hurdle lies in ensuring that all future ministers receive the necessary ethical clearances from the HATVP. Despite the potential challenges and criticisms surrounding the new government’s composition, the process of forming the cabinet has been marked by a careful selection of individuals from various political backgrounds to create a team that is viewed as competent and ready to govern. The unveiling of the government is eagerly anticipated, as it will reveal the final list of ministers who will lead the country forward.
