President Emmanuel Macron has appointed François Bayrou, a centrist leader and head of the MoDem party, as France’s new prime minister.

The 73-year-old mayor from the south-west aims to restore stability following months of political deadlock and the recent ousting of his predecessor, Michel Barnier, after just three months in office.

Bayrou’s appointment comes as Macron struggles to govern effectively midway through his second presidential term. He becomes the fourth prime minister this year, reflecting the challenges faced by the administration. Bayrou emphasized the importance of national reconciliation, stating, "I think reconciliation is necessary."

France has been mired in political stalemate since Macron called snap parliamentary elections last summer, leaving the National Assembly divided among three major blocs: the left, center, and far-right. (ILKHA)