Macron names former EU Brexit negotiator as premier

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Mr Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as his new prime minister on Sept 5, after weeks of drawn-out talks following an inconclusive snap election.

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The discreet, conservative politician will quickly face a baptism of fire as time is running out to prepare France's 2025 budget, which could trigger a vote of no confidence if parties in the bitterly divided Parliament are not satisfied.

The left-wing alliance that won June's election accused Mr Macron of ignoring the result by picking a conservative. It called for demonstrations against Mr Barnier's selection but does not have enough seats to block the pick on its own.

The far-right National Rally (RN) party indicated that it would not block Mr Barnier for now, but could do so later if a range of demands were not met.