French lawmakers on Wednesday approved President Emmanuel Macron's former chief of staff to govern the central bank, with Emmanuel Moulin winning enough votes to secure the job.
Macron critics say the centrist head of state is seeking to install allies in top positions to shield key government institutions from the far right before his five-year term ends next year.
The finance committees of parliament's two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate, did not oppose the appointment of Moulin, parliamentary sources told AFP. Moulin was Macron's choice for the position.
A majority of lawmakers in both chambers voted against his candidacy, but under the rules, three-fifths of the votes cast would have had to be against the appointment to block it.
Marine Le Pen's far-right, anti-immigration party is gearing up for what it considers its strongest opportunity yet to take power in the 2027 presidential election.
