Editorial: Le Monde

• François Bayrou formed his government before Christmas, but it was not without obstacles and he did not managed to expand his base of support.
• The announced government is of the same size to his predecessor, Michel Barnier, suggesting that the same problems may be encountered.
• Bayrou has been promising he could unite Christian democrats, social democrats, and liberal democrats, but he failed to bridge all factions.
• Manual Valls and François Rebsamen represent the left wing of the cabinet, but both have distanced themselves from the Socialist Party.
• The appointment of Gérald Darmanin as justice minister may be seen as a provocation to parts of the magistracy, due to his previous stance seen as antagonistic with justice.
• Bayrou has appointed strong figures with wide parameters of action to certain roles, hoping to generate more trust.

Conclusion: Bayrou is in a precarious position similar to Michel Barnier's and with a lower popularity rating. With the economy at a standstill and public frustration at a peak, Bayrou faces major challenges.

---