France  announced a new Cabinet, largely composed of returning ministers, as the country continues to grapple with political instability. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, after facing mounting pressure and weeks of nationwide protests over proposed public spending cuts, has partially finalised his ministerial team. He has reappointed several Les Républicains (LR) ministers, retained Macronists and recalled Bruno Le Maire and Éric Woerth to the Cabinet. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, will return from the last government.

Emmanuel Moulin, Secretary General of the Élysee Palace announced an initial salvo of 18 ministers on Sunday evening. A few more are expected to be appointed after prime minister’s general policy speech (DPG) on Tuesday afternoon, reported the French media. This speech is eagerly awaited by the opposition. At the start of the consultations initiated by Matignon, much of the intrigue surrounding the new government centered on whether Rachida Dati would retain her position amid ongoing legal troubles, and who would succeed Sébastien Lecornu as Minister of the Armed Forces.

Notably, Lecornu, who described himself as “the weakest Prime Minister of the Fifth Republic” promised to “renounce” the use of Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass his budget. It is important to note that he is deprived of a majority in the National Assembly. “In a Parliament that works, that was renewed more than a year ago, that resembles the French, you cannot force your way through and you cannot coerce your opposition”, Lecornu emphasised in a speech on Friday, as reported by EuroNews.

PM Lecornu on new cabinet

After announcing new ministers, Lecornu wrote on X, “A government has just been appointed. In line with my commitments, it brings together and reflects the common foundation that supports us in Parliament. No surprises. These ministers will have the difficult task of providing the country with a budget before December 31 and serving France. They have accepted this, knowing that they will need to find compromises with our oppositions. Without the 49-3, Parliament will have the final say: that is the true break.”