Dec 23, (V7N) - French President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure to appoint a new government, with Prime Minister François Bayrou still unable to present his cabinet over a week after his appointment. The announcement, originally expected on Sunday, has been postponed until after a national day of mourning for victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte.

France’s political landscape remains fractured after Macron's failed gamble on snap elections, leaving no party or alliance with a parliamentary majority. This crisis deepened with the recent ousting of Michel Barnier as prime minister, making Bayrou the fourth premier in 2024 and sixth of Macron's presidency.

Bayrou’s immediate task is to form a government capable of surviving a no-confidence vote and passing next year’s budget. Efforts to create a broad coalition excluding the far-right and hard-left have slowed progress. Speculation persists over key appointments, with figures like Bruno Retailleau and Rachida Dati likely to retain their posts.

Bayrou's leadership has already come under fire. Critics point to his absence in Mayotte following the cyclone and his historically low approval rating of 34%, according to an Ifop poll. Opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has vowed to challenge Bayrou with a no-confidence motion when he addresses parliament on January 14.

Commentators remain skeptical of Bayrou’s longevity, with many viewing his premiership as fragile and uncertain amid the ongoing politicalturmoil.

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