Paris, 12 October 2025 — After marathon talks and mounting political uncertainty, President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday confirmed a new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, reinstated just two days after his brief resignation. The move comes as France faces its most serious domestic political crisis in years, with a fractured parliament and looming budget deadlines.
Cabinet Line‑Up
The new cabinet blends continuity with reshuffling:
- Jean‑Noël Barrot remains as Foreign Minister.
- Gérald Darmanin continues as Justice Minister.
- Roland Lescure, a Macron ally, stays on as Economy and Finance Minister, tasked with steering an austerity‑leaning 2026 budget.
- Catherine Vautrin, formerly Labour Minister, becomes Defence Minister, a post previously held by Lecornu himself.
- Laurent Nuñez, Paris police prefect, is appointed Interior Minister.
- Rachida Dati retains the Culture Ministry, while Annie Genevard continues at Agriculture.
In total, the government includes 34 ministers, slightly leaner than its predecessor.
Political Stakes
Lecornu, 39, was forced to resign earlier this month after his first cabinet collapsed within hours amid party infighting. His rapid reappointment reflects Macron’s determination to stabilize governance before the 2026 draft budget is presented to parliament on Monday.
The budget is central to France’s credibility with the European Union, which has pressed Paris to rein in its deficit and debt. Failure to pass it could leave the eurozone’s second‑largest economy without an approved spending plan by year’s end.
Opposition Response
The new government faces immediate headwinds:
- The Republicans (LR) party has refused to formally participate, pledging only “bill‑by‑bill” cooperation.
- The far‑right National Rally and far‑left France Unbowed have vowed to oppose Lecornu, with a no‑confidence motion possible as early as Thursday.
- The Socialists remain undecided, holding the balance of power in a hung parliament.
Outlook
Lecornu has described his cabinet as a “mission‑based government”, focused on delivering a budget and restoring stability. Yet with Macron’s authority weakened since last year’s snap elections, the government’s survival will depend on fragile alliances and its ability to navigate a divided National Assembly.
For now, France has a government in place — but whether it can endure beyond the budget battle remains uncertain.
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Sources: Al Jazeera [1]; MSN [2]; Politico [4]; France24 [6].
