Newly appointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced part of his cabinet after weeks of political pressure and large-scale protests over proposed public spending cuts, Euronews reported.
According to the Élysée Palace, an initial list of 18 ministers was revealed on Sunday evening by Secretary General Emmanuel Moulin. In a surprise move, Bruno Le Maire, formerly the economy minister, was named minister of the armed forces and veterans’ affairs, replacing Lecornu.
Several of President Emmanuel Macron’s allies retained their posts, including Jean-Noël Barrot as minister for Europe and foreign affairs and Élisabeth Borne as education minister. Meanwhile, Roland Lescure, previously industry minister between 2022 and 2024, takes over as finance minister, succeeding Éric Lombard.
On the right, despite earlier warnings from Bruno Retailleau that participation from Les Républicains “was not a given,” several ministers from the party kept their positions. Retailleau continues as interior minister, while Gérald Darmanin remains justice minister.
Eric Woerth, a former Sarkozy-era minister, will take charge of the overseas territories portfolio after François Rebsamen declined to join the new government, citing his “convictions as a left-wing, progressive man.”
Macron will convene the new cabinet for a Council of Ministers meeting on Monday afternoon, according to the Élysée.
Political challenges ahead
Lecornu is set to address Parliament on Tuesday in his first general policy speech.
Describing himself as “the weakest prime minister of the Fifth Republic,” Lecornu pledged to avoid using Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows governments to bypass parliamentary approval on budget bills.
“In a parliament that works… you cannot force your way through or coerce your opposition,” he said on Friday.
Despite Lecornu’s assurance, opposition parties remain sceptical. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, warned of a likely motion of censure, citing dissatisfaction over the lack of wealth tax reforms and pension changes.
