French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new government after reappointing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, just days before the deadline to present the 2026 draft budget to parliament.
The reshuffle follows a week of political turmoil that saw Lecornu resign briefly before being reinstated on Friday. The president’s decision aims to stabilize France’s government amid growing political tensions and an impending financial deadline.
Key appointments in new cabinet
In the new lineup, Jean-Noël Barrot retains his post as foreign minister, while Catherine Vautrin, the outgoing labour minister, takes over the defence portfolio. Macron loyalist Roland Lescure has been named the new economy minister.
Several new faces have also entered the cabinet. Laurent Nunez, Paris’s former police chief, will now serve as interior minister, replacing Bruno Retailleau of the right-wing Republicans (LR). Environmental advocate Monique Barbut, previously the France director of WWF, has been appointed as environment minister.
Meanwhile, Gérald Darmanin remains as justice minister, and Rachida Dati, the culture minister facing a corruption trial next year, retains her position.
“Mission-based government” to deliver budget
Prime Minister Lecornu described his new administration as a “mission-based government” focused on finalizing and presenting the national budget.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lecornu wrote:
“A mission-based government has been appointed to draw up a budget for France before the end of the year. I thank those who have freely committed themselves, putting aside personal and partisan interests. Only one thing matters: the interests of the country.”
Lecornu faces an uphill battle in securing parliamentary approval. The Republicans (LR), a key political ally, announced they would not join the new government but would cooperate on a “bill-by-bill” basis.
Opposition parties, including the Socialists, have threatened to topple the new cabinet unless Macron’s administration reconsiders controversial austerity measures and the 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Lecornu has since signaled openness to dialogue, saying,
“All debates are possible. My only ambition is to get out of this situation that is painful for everyone.”
Macron faces growing political pressure
The government overhaul comes as Macron grapples with his worst domestic crisis since taking office in 2017. His administration faces a parliamentary deadlock and mounting pressure from the European Union to reduce France’s public deficit and debt.
Two previous prime ministers were forced out amid disputes over cost-cutting measures. Lecornu’s reinstatement reflects Macron’s last attempt to push through the budget before the end of the year.
The president has yet to address the public since Lecornu’s resignation but is expected to comment soon. Meanwhile, Macron is scheduled to travel to Egypt on Monday to discuss a Gaza ceasefire deal, which could delay the formal presentation of the draft budget.
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