New PM Barnier vows changes in France to improve 'serious situation'

New French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has announced a fresh political direction.

There will be "changes and disruptions," the conservative politician told reporters in Paris.

France is "in a serious situation" and a new chapter is about to begin. "We will act more than we talk," said the 73-year-old former EU Commissioner and Brexit negotiator.

Barnier said he wants to "respond to the challenges, the anger, the suffering, the sense of abandonment and injustice that pervade our cities, our neighbourhoods and our rural areas far too much."

What is needed is more listening and respect between the government and parliament, between the political parties themselves and with the public, the new premier added.

French President Emmanuel Macron, a centrist, appointed Barnier as Gabriel Attal's successor just under two months after early parliamentary elections produced no clear coalition.