France Unveils Fresh Government Under Lecornu
(MENAFN) On Sunday, Sebastien Lecornu stepped into the spotlight as France’s newly appointed Prime Minister, unveiling a cabinet charged with steering a fractured parliament through a challenging budget vote and navigating turbulent international conflicts.
Lecornu, once was defense minister and a trusted confidant of President Emmanuel Macron, assumed the premiership in September following the ousting of Francois Bayrou, who fell in a confidence vote while pushing austerity measures aimed at taming the nation’s swelling debt. Notably, Lecornu is Macron’s seventh prime minister, underscoring the volatility within the executive ranks.
Holding firm in his role, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot continues to shape France’s diplomatic efforts. His tenure has been marked by steadfast support for Ukraine and a recent formal acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood, a strategic move designed to pressure Israel towards ending war on Gaza.
Meanwhile, former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has been reassigned as defense chief, reflecting Macron’s ambition to bolster military strength and escalate support for Kyiv. The president has pledged to dispatch peacekeepers to Ukraine and is reportedly considering extending France’s nuclear protection to additional European allies.
Economic stewardship will fall to Roland Lescure, an economist and banker, who takes over as finance minister. Meanwhile, Elisabeth Borne, who previously served as prime minister, has been appointed to lead the Education Ministry.
Hardline figures remain prominent in the cabinet: Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, both noted for their stringent positions on immigration and security, will retain their portfolios. Culture Minister Rachida Dati, despite facing a corruption trial next year, also stays in office.
Lecornu acknowledged the uphill task ahead: “The ministers will need to find compromises with the opposition” to secure budget approval before year-end. He also vowed to avoid using the contentious Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which permits the government to bypass parliamentary votes to pass legislation.
The new lineup has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Marine Le Pen, head of the conservative National Rally party, dismissed the cabinet as “pathetic,” while Jean-Luc Melenchon, founder of the left-wing France Unbowed, branded it “a procession of returnees.” Several left-wing factions have already signaled their intent to table a no-confidence motion against Lecornu in the coming week.
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