François Bayrou, who is party leader of the Democratic Movement (Modem) and mayor of the city of Pau in southwestern France, was one of the early favorites for the prime ministership.
He has previously run for three presidential elections, most recently in 2012. Since then, he and the party have given their full support to Emmanuel Macron.
Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier was in office for just three months after his government fell in a no-confidence vote on 4 December.
François Bayrou’s first task as new prime minister will be to come up with a new temporary budget that will apply until a long-term one can be made next year.
French government crisis
There has been quite a storm in French politics in recent months. Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier was in office for just three months after his government fell in a no-confidence vote – supported by both the left and the right – on 4 December.
This follows criticism that Barnier forced through a budget for social security with an exception rule because he did not have enough support in parliament.
After the vote of no confidence, President Emmanuel Macron said a new government could be in place within days. Now just over a week has passed. However, the process has gone much faster than after the new election last summer, when it took around two months.