On Friday, Matignon announced that the Prime Minister still plans to unveil the composition of his team “by Sunday”, after making “final adjustments”

The Prime Minister submits his list to Emmanuel Macron, with ministers contested on the right and a composition waiting to be revealed.

Two weeks after taking office, Michel Barnier submitted his final list of ministers to Emmanuel Macron on Friday September 20. The Prime Minister still intends to unveil the composition of his government by Sunday, after a few final adjustments.

The “finalized” list was submitted in a climate marked by internal debate, with some of the proposed names deemed too far to the right, causing tension within the presidential camp and criticism from the left. Among the contested figures was Laurence Garnier, known for her stance against gay marriage and abortion. In the face of this criticism, however, Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that Michel Barnier had “full freedom” to compose his team, insisting on the importance of supporting the Prime Minister to guarantee the success of his project.

High-pressure adjustments

The government could include political diversity, notably with members of the presidential majority, the Republicans and the MoDem. Jean-Noël Barrot, a former MoDem minister, could return to Foreign Affairs, while Geneviève Darrieussecq is tipped for the Health Ministry. Among the newcomers, Violette Spillebout could replace Nicole Belloubet at the Ministry of Education.

However, certain figures such as Laurent Wauquiez have already announced their withdrawal, preferring not to join the government. On the other hand, Michel Barnier tried to reassure his allies by affirming that there would be no tax increase for the middle classes, an essential condition for obtaining the support of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and the majority deputies.

Discussions are continuing, but the announcement of the new team is expected by Sunday, after final adjustments have been made.