New French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has unveiled his cabinet, which must pass the budget in a deeply divided parliament and manage multiple crises abroad. Lecornu, a former defense minister and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was appointed in September after his predecessor, François Bayrou, lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly. The reshuffle follows a bid to secure support for an austerity plan aimed at curbing rising debt.
The new cabinet retains Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot, who will continue to oversee France’s support for Ukraine and the recent formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move intended to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza. Former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire will become defense chief as Macron seeks to strengthen the military and increase aid to Kyiv. The president has also pledged to send peacekeepers to Ukraine and is considering expanding France’s nuclear umbrella to cover other European countries.
Economist and banker Roland Lescure will serve as finance minister, while former prime minister Élisabeth Borne will head the Education Ministry. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, both known for hardline stances on immigration and security, will remain in their posts. Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who faces a corruption trial next year, will also keep her job.
Lecornu emphasized the need for his ministers to find compromises with the opposition to pass a budget before the end of the year. He promised not to invoke the controversial Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows the government to push legislation through parliament without a vote.
The new cabinet has been met with criticism from opposition leaders. Marine Le Pen denounced it as “pathetic,” and Jean‑Luc Mélenchon described it as “a procession of returnees.” Several left‑wing parties have already threatened to submit a no‑confidence motion against Lecornu next week.
The formation of the cabinet comes at a challenging time for France, with multiple crises abroad and a deeply divided parliament at home. Lecornu’s ability to find common ground with the opposition will be crucial for passing the budget and addressing the country’s pressing issues. The next steps will be closely watched as the government navigates its new role and the opposition prepares its response.
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