New government line-up: Michel Barnier proposes a team of 38 ministers with parity assured
According to revelations by France Télévisions, Michel Barnier plans to appoint 38 ministers to his new government, 16 of whom will have full ministerial rank. These top posts would be distributed as follows: seven representatives of Ensemble pour la République, three of the Republicans, two of MoDem, one of Horizons, one of UDI, as well as one minister from the various right-wing parties and one from the various left-wing parties. Confirmation of this team is expected to take place at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. with the President of the Republic, as indicated by the Presidency to France Télévisions.
Towards a general policy statement on October 1
If the President of the Republic approves this composition, Michel Barnier will present his general policy statement on October 1. According to Gabriel Attal, Chairman of the Ensemble pour la République group, this statement will focus on three main areas: the concerns of the French people, regional and security issues, and debt and budget management.
On immigration, Michel Barnier clarified his position, advocating an approach combining “rigor and humanity”. He also emphasized his commitment to controlling public spending, and gave assurances that no tax increases would be imposed on the middle classes and workers. The budget will be drawn up on the basis of the ceiling letters sent out this summer, according to information from the same source.