Lecornu’s new cabinet faces confidence challenge and looming budget deadline
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has unveiled a new government that keeps most key ministers in place, despite his earlier promise of “renewal and diversity.” Opposition parties, meanwhile, have vowed to challenge his cabinet through confidence motions as the government races to meet a critical budget deadline, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
The Élysée Palace announced the new cabinet lineup on Sunday night, confirming that Finance Minister Roland Lescure, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin will retain their posts.
The most notable changes include the appointment of Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez as Interior Minister, replacing Bruno Retailleau, and Monique Barbut, former head of the French World Wide Fund, as Environment Minister. Former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne was replaced by civil servant Édouard Geffray as Education Minister.
Opposition forces were quick to react. The left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) and far-right National Rally both announced plans to submit no-confidence motions, while Socialist leader Olivier Faure simply posted, “No comment.”
Lecornu’s immediate task is to present a 2026 draft budget by Tuesday — an issue that previously brought down two prime ministers.
Political observers say the challenge will test the government’s stability as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to maintain control amid deepening divisions in parliament.
Earlier, it was reported that President Emmanuel Macron reappointed former Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to the post shortly after his resignation.