French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday called for a "national effort" to cut the country's public-sector deficit, but ruled out across-the-board tax rises. A day after President Emmanuel Macron appointed a new government, Barnier told the France 2 broadcaster that the government's financial situation was "very serious".

Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday opened the door to raising taxes on France's wealthiest individuals and some big corporations to help close a gaping hole in the public finances, but said he would protect the lower and middle classes.

France edged closer to having a new government, more than two months after a hung election, as new Prime Minister Michel Barnier's office said he had pulled together a list of ministers he will submit to President Emmanuel Macron later on Thursday.

French President Emmanuel Macron named a new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier Saturday, marked by a shift to the right 11 weeks after an inconclusive parliamentary election. The first major task for Barnier,

The new cabinet pulls in allies from the centre and right, despite left-wing parties winning France's election.