Why did French President Emmanuel Macron choose Francois Bayrou as Prime Minister and how might he approach the role differently from his predecessor Michel Barnier? Today Radio Schuman dives into the issue in conversation with Euronews reporter Gregoire Lory.

Bayrou, a former minister and three-time presidential candidate, leads the centrist Democratic Movement (MoDem), which he founded in 2007. Currently, Bayrou is holding preliminary talks with France’s political parties, including the far-right National Rally, to discuss the 2025 budget and the shape of the next government.

Like his predecessor Michel Barnier, Bayrou faces the challenge of forming a government that can hold together, in the face of growing pressure from Brussels for France to reduce its debt, projected to reach 6% of GDP this year.

Today we also look at European Commission Ursula von der Leyen's trip to Turkey and some significant votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Also today, Radio Schuman explores which countries in Europe enjoy the cleanest air, and where the air quality is worst.

Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.

Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   

Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.

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