France’s New Government: A Step Toward Stability?
France’s newly re-appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has named a new government, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing political turmoil. The formation of this government comes as Lecornu faces mounting pressure to deliver a budget and resolve the prolonged crisis that has gripped the nation.
Lecornu, who has served as France’s fourth prime minister in just one year, initially appointed his first government a week prior. However, he resigned shortly after due to protests from a key member of a conservative coalition, leading to days of uncertainty. Now, just weeks later, Lecornu has officially formed his second government, consisting of 34 ministers.
The Cabinet includes several individuals who have previously held roles in different governments, with members from President Macron’s centrist faction and allied conservatives, as well as some outsiders from non-political backgrounds. This mix aims to bring stability and fresh perspectives to the administration.
Key Appointments and Responsibilities
Among the notable appointments is former Labour Minister Catherine Vautrin, who has now been appointed as Defence Minister. Her role will involve overseeing France’s military support for Ukraine and addressing security threats from Russia.
Laurent Nunez, the Paris police chief who managed security during the 2024 Olympics, has taken on the role of Interior Minister, responsible for national security. Roland Lescure, the new Finance Minister, holds a critical position as France works to draft a budget that addresses rising debt and poverty.
Some officials have retained their positions, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who will accompany President Macron to Egypt on Monday for an international ceremony commemorating the Gaza ceasefire.
Political Uncertainty and Challenges
Despite these changes, the future of the new government remains uncertain. President Macron, whose term ends in 2027, lacks a majority in the deeply fractured parliament and is losing support from within his own ranks. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party is pushing for new elections, while the hard-left France Unbowed movement demands the president’s resignation.
Just after the announcement of the new Cabinet, the conservative Republicans party announced it would expel six members who had agreed to join the government. On social media, Le Pen stated that they would be calling for a vote of no confidence against the government on Monday.
France Unbowed also issued a warning about the new government, with leader Mathilde Panot advising “newcomers” not to unpack their boxes too quickly, suggesting that censorship may be on the horizon.
The Socialist Party took a more reserved stance, with its leader Olivier Faure simply stating “No Comment” on social media.
A Mission-Driven Approach
Sebastien Lecornu was re-appointed as prime minister on Friday and has been working diligently to appoint key cabinet members before the upcoming budget deadline. In a statement on X, Lecornu emphasized that the new government is “mission-driven,” aiming to provide France with a budget before the end of the year.
He expressed gratitude to the individuals who have freely committed to the government, regardless of personal or partisan interests. “Only one thing matters: the interests of the country,” he wrote.
The transfer of power will be conducted “soberly, without press and without guests,” according to the Prime Minister’s office. This approach reflects the urgency and sensitivity surrounding the current political climate in France.