Francois Bayrou takes office as new French Prime Minister amid political challenges

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou as Prime Minister last week after the collapse of Michel Barnier's government. Bayrou, a centrist leader and former minister, aims to address the country's political crisis. Bayrou is currently in talks with various political parties, including the far-right National Rally, to discuss the 2025 budget and future government structure. He faces the challenge of forming a stable government amid pressure to reduce France's debt. The new Prime Minister's approach may differ from Barnier's as he seeks to unite diverse political factions. France's debt is projected to reach 6% of GDP this year, adding urgency to his task.