The government still faces two challenges in the coming weeks: the risk of a no-confidence vote and a tight budget deadline.

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Antoine Armand as finance minister, thrusting a 33-year-old with limited political experience into an urgent budget battle in which he must maintain tacit support from the far right to avoid government collapse.

French President Emmanuel Macron's chief of staff has announced a new government to address political instability following a hung parliament. Key appointments include Antoine Armand as finance minister and Jean-Noel Barrot as foreign minister,