The French Prime Minister has announced the formation of a new government

On Sunday, the Élysée Palace presented Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's new cabinet list. Despite his promise of “renewal and diversity,” he retained most of his previous ministers. However, opponents are calling for a change in political course to support the urgently needed budget.

The left-wing party La France Insoumise and the far-right Rassemblement National announced motions of no confidence for Monday. This means that the new government faces a decisive vote this week. The Socialists are keeping a low profile – party leader Olivier Faure commented on X with only “No comment.”

Lecornu confirmed Roland Lescure as finance minister, Jean-Noël Barrot as foreign minister, and Gérald Darmanin as justice minister. Laurent Nuñez, previously Paris police chief and former head of the domestic intelligence service DGSI, will become interior minister. He replaces Bruno Retailleau, the leader of the Republicans with his own presidential ambitions. Catherine Vautrin will become defense minister, while Edouard Geffray will take over the education portfolio.

The government must present a draft budget by Wednesday—a delicate task in a deeply divided parliament. Lecornu, who has already failed twice in the short term, left open the question of whether he would resign again if necessary.

(reuters, est)