Bayrou said on TV channel France 2 that he has held consultations with political factions over the past three days – excluding the far-right National Rally (RN) and the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) – in order to quickly form a national coalition government.

"A new government will be formed this week, or at the latest by next Tuesday, meaning before Christmas. Many challenges lie ahead, and cooperation is essential. The government will be ready for dialogue," said French Prime Minister François Bayrou. 

Prime Minister Bayrou said he hopes to have a budget ready by mid-February, based on adjustments to the draft that was discussed before the previous government was voted out of office. The new government plans to tighten spending, with the long-term goal of achieving a balanced budget within the next 10 years.

Bayrou said he will keep open the option of using parliamentary clause 49.3 on special constitutional powers to get the budget through parliament if it looks as if the opposition parties are trying to block it.