France has had its fourth prime minister in one year.

Today (December 13), French President Emmanuel Macron announced the selection of Francois Bayrou, leader of the centrist Democratic Movement (MoDem), as the country's new prime minister .

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou

"President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Francois Bayrou as prime minister and tasked him with forming a French government ," AFP quoted a brief statement from the Elysee Palace, without providing further details.

Thus, Macron only needed 9 days to choose a suitable candidate to replace Michel Barnier as prime minister, who resigned after parliament voted no confidence following his government's proposal of an "austerity" budget for the following year.

Mr. Bayrou (73 years old) has led the MoDem movement, an ally of President Macron's party since 2017.

The name of the new prime minister was announced after a tense and nearly two-hour meeting between Macron and Bayrou on December 13, according to BFMTV.

The handover ceremony between Mr. Barnier and Mr. Bayrou is expected to take place today, local time.

The new cabinet will be announced in a few days after the key positions have been filled.

The first challenge Bayrou faces is forming a cabinet that can weather a no-confidence vote in a divided parliament and pass a suitable budget for 2025.

President Macron hopes Bayrou can withstand a vote of no confidence at least until July next year, when France may hold its next general election.

However, observers warn that Macron's future as president could be unpredictable if the government collapses again.

This is the fourth time Macron has appointed a prime minister this year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phap-co-thu-tuong-thu-tu-trong-1-nam-185241213190317742.htm