Macron Appoints François Bayrou as New Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has named his key centrist ally François Bayrou as the new prime minister.

Bayrou, 73, a key partner in Macron’s centrist coalition, has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key to efforts to restore stability, with no single party holding a majority in the National Assembly.

“Bayrou has been tasked with forming a new government,” Macron’s office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned last week after a no-confidence vote over budget disputes in the National Assembly, leaving France without a functioning government.

Opposition parties have called on Macron to resign amid the political and economic crisis, with the 2025 budget failing to pass parliament. Macron has said he will stay in office until the end of his term in 2027.