French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, as he battles to steer France out of a prolonged political deadlock. The announcement, made on Sunday, comes nearly a month after Lecornu’s appointment as Macron’s seventh prime minister — a move that has done little to ease tensions within an increasingly divided parliament.
Despite Macron’s attempt to form a more balanced cabinet, Lecornu faces an uphill task. His fragile administration is already under threat from opposition parties that have hinted at launching a no-confidence vote in the coming days.
Bruno Le Maire, who previously served as economy minister from 2017 to 2024, has been reassigned as defence minister, while Roland Lescure steps in to head the economy ministry, tasked with navigating the country’s challenging budget negotiations.
Several familiar faces remain in their roles. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot keeps his post, as do Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has pledged to intensify the fight against illegal immigration, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. Culture Minister Rachida Dati, despite facing a pending corruption trial, also retains her position — a decision already stirring public debate.
France’s current stalemate stems from Macron’s risky decision to call snap elections last year in a bid to regain control of the legislature. The gamble backfired, leaving the National Assembly split between three major political blocs with no clear majority.
Two of Lecornu’s predecessors, François Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were both forced out amid fierce clashes over austerity measures. Now, all eyes are on Lecornu as he prepares to address parliament on Tuesday with a policy speech that could determine whether his fragile government survives its first major test.
