PARIS — France’s President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, hoping to bring calm to a nation still reeling from months of political gridlock. Lecornu, one of Macron’s most trusted allies, now faces the daunting task of steering a deeply divided parliament through crucial budget talks.
Announced on Sunday, the new cabinet mixes old hands with fresh faces — a sign that Macron is banking on experience while trying to signal renewal. But with no clear majority in parliament, every new law will demand delicate compromise and, perhaps, a little luck.
“Our goal is to restore stability and trust,” Lecornu said last week during consultations with party leaders at Hôtel Matignon, the official residence of the prime minister. “France must move forward, even if the road is difficult.”
The reshuffle places several seasoned politicians in key positions. Former prime minister Manuel Valls returns as Minister for Overseas Territories. Bruno Retailleau takes over as Interior Minister, while Gérald Darmanin moves to the Justice Ministry. Bruno Le Maire, a central figure in Macron’s economic team since 2017, is now Defence Minister.
Catherine Vautrin, long known for her work on social policy, becomes Minister for Health and Labour. Rachida Dati, a former justice minister under Nicolas Sarkozy, takes over the Culture portfolio. Roland Lescure steps in as Minister for Economy and Finance, while Jean-Noël Barrot assumes the crucial role of Foreign Minister.
The new cabinet also includes Agnès Pannier-Runacher as Environment Minister and Annie Genevard at Agriculture. Amélie de Montchalin, a former Europe minister, returns to handle the Budget.
In one of the government’s more forward-looking appointments, Naïma Moutchou becomes Minister for Civil Service, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs — a post reflecting France’s growing focus on technology and innovation.
Junior ministers include Aurore Bergé, who will serve as Government Spokesperson and Minister for Gender Equality, and Mathieu Lefèvre, who takes charge of relations with parliament — a politically sensitive position given the fractured landscape in the National Assembly.
The reshuffle comes amid rising frustration with Macron’s leadership, as both far-right and left-wing parties continue to challenge his centrist agenda. Analysts say the president’s gamble on Lecornu could stabilise the government — or deepen its struggles.
“Macron is trying to regain control without changing course,” said political analyst Dominique Reynié, speaking to Le Figaro. “But this government will have to work twice as hard to build consensus in a parliament that no longer bends easily.”
For Macron, now in his second term, the announcement marks another test of his political resilience. His vision of a “strong, united France” has been repeatedly tested by protests, economic uncertainty, and a shifting political mood.
Whether Lecornu’s cabinet can calm the storm remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: in Paris, the honeymoon period for France’s new government will be brief — and the work ahead, unrelenting.
About the Author
