France announces new government

Share to Google Classroom

France has announced a new government, two months after elections led to a hung parliament and deep political divides.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a conservative, formed the government after tough negotiations, and President Emmanuel Macron approved it. The 38-member Cabinet includes ministers from Macron’s centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans party.

The elections, held in June and July, saw a left-wing coalition win the most seats but fail to gain a majority. Key figures in the new government include Jean-Noël Barrot as the new foreign minister and Antoine Armand as finance minister. Barrot, a centrist, is known for his work in digital and European affairs. Armand, a rising political figure, will face the challenge of managing France’s economy and budget, especially with growing debt concerns.

However, Barnier’s government faces opposition from the far-left and far-right. Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party protested against the government, while Marine Le Pen’s National Rally said it would closely monitor its actions, especially regarding budget issues.

How did this story make you feel?

SMART Prep | Quick Question 210127

The school library had a new display about space. The librarian placed shiny books and posters on the table so students could explore them at lunchtime. Many children gathered around the display because it was interesting and colourful. One sign asked students to borrow a book and find out more about the planets.

In the passage, what does the word "display" mean?

  

Did You Know?

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.

Thinking Question

Related Articles