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French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new government on Sunday, appointing a team under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu as he seeks to navigate the country through a protracted political deadlock.
The cabinet, unveiled nearly a month after Lecornu was appointed Macron’s seventh prime minister, faces a challenging path in a deeply divided parliament, with opposition parties threatening to topple the new administration despite efforts to secure cross-party support.
Among the key changes, former economy minister Bruno Le Maire, who served from 2017 to 2024, has been named defence minister, while Roland Lescure takes over the economy portfolio with the complex task of delivering a new budget plan.
Several prominent ministers retained their positions, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau — known for his pledge to crack down on illegal immigration — and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. Culture Minister Rachida Dati, facing a corruption trial next year, also remains in office.
France has been mired in political deadlock since Macron called snap elections last year in an attempt to strengthen his mandate.
The strategy backfired, leaving the parliament divided among three rival blocs. Lecornu’s two immediate predecessors, François Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were both ousted amid disputes over austerity measures.
Lecornu is expected to deliver a general policy statement in parliament on Tuesday, while several left-wing parties have already signalled plans to table a no-confidence motion against the new government.
The administration’s ability to govern effectively will be closely watched as Macron strives to regain control amid a fractured legislature.
