Government Announcement Delayed

French channel « TF1, » citing Élysée Palace sources, reported that the announcement of the new government, led by François Bayrou, will not occur before 5:00 PM GMT. This delay is due to a national day of mourning in solidarity with the archipelago of Mayotte, which suffered extensive damage from Cyclone Shide.

President Emmanuel Macron will participate in a minute of silence in the morning, organized « across the country » in the Courtyard of Honor at the Élysée Palace.

François Bayrou, 73, a centrist appointed Prime Minister on December 13 following a vote of no confidence against former Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government, aims to form a new cabinet before Christmas.

Élysée sources noted ongoing disagreements between Macron and Bayrou over the final cabinet lineup. The position of Minister of Foreign Affairs is a key sticking point. Currently held by Jean-Noël Barrot, an ally of Bayrou, this post is also sought by Gérald Darmanin, former Minister of the Interior and a long-time ally of Macron.