Macron names ally Bayrou as new PM as he aims to restore political stability

Emmanuel Macron, right, has appointed MoDem leader Francois Bayrou as France’s new prime minister (Ludovic Marin/Pool photo via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday named centrist ally Francois Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week.

Mr Bayrou, 73, a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance, has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades.