French PM Lecornu forms new cabinet amid protests over spending cuts | World News
French Prime Miner Sebastien Lecornu delivers a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, before a round of consultations with political parties ahead of the announcement of the new government. (Pool Photo via AP)
Newly appointed French Prime Miner Sébastien Lecornu has announced part of his cabinet after weeks of political pressure and large-scale protests over proposed public spending cuts, Euronews reported.
According to the Élysée Palace, an initial l of 18 miners was revealed on Sunday evening Secretary General Emmanuel Moulin. In a surprise move, Bruno Le Maire, formerly the economy miner, was named miner of the armed forces and veterans’ affairs, replacing Lecornu.
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Several of President Emmanuel Macron’s allies retained their posts, including Jean-Noël Barrot as miner for Europe and foreign affairs and Élisabeth Borne as education miner. Meanwhile, Roland Lescure, previously industry miner between 2022 and 2024, takes over as finance miner, succeeding Éric Lombard.
On the right, despite earlier warnings from Bruno Retailleau that participation from Les Républicains “was not a given,” several miners from the party kept their positions. Retailleau continues as interior miner, while Gérald Darmanin remains justice miner.
Eric Woerth, a former Sarkozy-era miner, will take charge of the overseas territories portfolio after François Rebsamen declined to join the new government, citing his “convictions as a left-wing, progressive man.”
Macron will convene the new cabinet for a Council of Miners meeting on Monday afternoon, according to the Élysée.
Political challenges ahead
Lecornu is set to address Parliament on Tuesday in his first general policy speech.
Describing himself as “the weakest prime miner of the Fifth Republic,” Lecornu pledged to avoid using Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows governments to pass parliamentary approval on budget bills.
“In a parliament that works… you cannot force your way through or coerce your opposition,” he said on Friday.
Despite Lecornu’s assurance, opposition parties remain sceptical. Olivier Faure, leader of the Social Party, warned of a likely motion of censure, citing dissatisfaction over the lack of wealth tax reforms and pension changes.
