What Shaped many of Frances policies while Louis XIII was king?

During Louis XIII's reign, many of France's policies were shaped by the influence of his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu. Richelieu aimed to strengthen the central authority of the monarchy, curb the power of the nobility, and suppress the Huguenots, ensuring that the king's power remained unchallenged. His foreign policy also focused on strengthening France's position in Europe, particularly against the Habsburgs. This era marked a significant shift towards absolute monarchy and centralized governance in France.