Macron's discontent with his right-wing government has intensified

French President Emmanuel Macron has defused a political crisis after a tumultuous summer, but sources close to him say he is deeply dissatisfied with his right-wing government and feels isolated.

In September, Macron named 73-year-old Michel Barnier as his new prime minister, with Barnier in charge of domestic affairs and Macron turning to foreign policy. However, despite Macron's outwardly optimistic appearance, he is privately deeply unhappy with the new right-wing government and feels isolated, according to people familiar with the matter.

"I didn't choose this government," Mr Macron confesses to a close friend who asked not to be named.

"They put me to shame," he said bluntly of some conservative ministers.

The most hardline member of the new government, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, is already courting controversy after just days in office. He publicly pledged to crack down on immigration, and preached that "the rule of law is neither inviolable nor sacred."

Macron has only a handful of supporters in the new administration. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu was the only key member of the previous government to remain in office. Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and Industry Minister Marc Ferracci, once seen as loyal Allies of Macron's camp, have also been absorbed into the new government, further weakening his political hand.

One official familiar with Macron's situation said: "I think he is suffering. He chose to step aside, but it must have cost him dearly."

Since taking office in 2017, Macron has been known for his top-down style of leadership. But now he confesses privately to close friends: "Many policies have been driven directly from the Elysee Palace over the past seven years, and I no longer have the right to dictate public policy."

Despite the difficulties, Macron vowed to fight on. "Macron is not happy... But that's about it."