The article discusses the first council of ministers for the government of François Bayrou, which took place on January 3, 2025 at the Élysée. This was the first council of ministers for Bayrou and also the first of the year for Emmanuel Macron. The new government was already under pressure to quickly adopt a budget after the censure of Michel Barnier and his team. The government spokesperson, Sophie Primas, emphasized that they were not there to simply manage but were encouraged by the President to be bold in their actions. She called for all members to move away from inflexible positions and focus on excellence and overcoming obstacles rather than obstruction.
Prior to the council meeting, the government members gathered at the Ministry of the Interior for a traditional breakfast hosted by Bruno Retailleau. They were then escorted on foot to the Élysée where the meeting took place. Following the council of ministers, a defense council was scheduled to address the situation in Mayotte after the recent cyclone Chido. François Bayrou addressed his ministers, stating that there is a clear path to overcome the current instability if they remain united. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation, action, and stability as guiding principles for the government moving forward.
Despite not having a majority in the National Assembly, Bayrou hopes to make a lasting impact at Matignon. He has included political heavyweights like Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls in his government, along with some ministers who have a history with the left. The urgency to adopt a budget for 2025 was highlighted by several government officials in media appearances, as the lack of a budget was causing France to function at a minimal level. Concerns were also raised about the impact on issues such as electricity prices and social services in the absence of a budget.
The government also acknowledged the urgency to address the situation in Mayotte, the poorest department in France. A project proposed by François Bayrou to support Mayotte was expected to be presented in the council of ministers but was delayed. However, this delay was not expected to impact its examination by Parliament, which was set to resume activities on January 13. The government planned to introduce a series of measures to help Mayotte recover from the recent challenges it had faced.
In conclusion, the government of François Bayrou faced significant challenges in its early days, including the urgent need to adopt a budget and address issues in Mayotte. Despite these challenges, Bayrou called on his ministers to be bold and work towards unity to overcome obstacles and bring stability to the country. The government aimed to leverage the expertise of its members, including political heavyweights, to navigate the political landscape and deliver on its promises to the French people. The focus on reconciliation, action, and stability set the tone for the government’s priorities in the coming months.
