France’s new government meets for the first time to discuss budget and migrant issues

Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — France’s new government dominated by conservatives and centrists has gathered for the first time as Prime Minister Michel Barnier set budget and migrant issues as top priorities. The long-awaited list of government members was unveiled Saturday, more than two months after elections that produced a hung parliament and deepened political divisions. Macron told government members Monday a “new era” was starting as the political situation is unprecedented in the country. Barnier acknowledged in a televised interview a key challenge for his government will be the 2025 budget bill to be debated at parliament starting next month. He also vowed to “control and limit immigration.”