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The inclusion of two former prime ministers indicates Macron’s desire for a heavyweight government that will enjoy stability and not share the fate of Bayrou’s predecessor, , ousted in a no-confidence vote.

Bayrou had hoped to bring in figures from the left, right and centre to protect his government from possible censure, but his 35-member team does not include any members of the left-wing coalition .

Macron will assemble Bayrou’s team on January 3 for a first Council of Ministers meeting, the presidency said.

Barnier was brought down over his failure to win support for an austerity budget to shore up France’s shaky finances with spending cuts and tax rises.

The priority for 73-year-old Bayrou is to make sure his government can survive a no-confidence vote and that it passes a cost-cutting budget for 2025.

The unexpected comeback of Valls, premier from 2014 to 2016, as the head of the overseas territories ministry indicates the importance of the post after authorities were strongly criticised for their response to the deadly cyclone which killed at least 35 people.

Darmanin had long been known to covet the post of foreign minister, but after days of intense discussions will have to content himself with the justice ministry.

Far-right ‘backing’ 

Just before the official announcement, heavyweight right-wing politician , who had been tipped for the health ministry, announced he would not be part of the government. He alleged that it had been formed with the implicit “backing” of far-right leader , who will play a key role in ensuring its survival.

“The prime minister informed me this morning, contrary to what he had proposed yesterday, that he was no longer in a position to entrust me with responsibility for the justice ministry due to opposition from (Le Pen’s) National Rally,” Bertrand said in a statement.

“Despite his new proposals, I refuse to take part in a government of France formed with the backing of Marine Le Pen.”

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