French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu issues a statement from the Hôtel Matignon in Paris, France, on October 6. Stéphane Mahe/Reuters
As mentioned by CNN
In France on Sunday, a new government led by Sébastien Lecornu was announced, with most key portfolios remaining unchanged amid opposition pressure to demand a political reshuffle to gain support during urgent budget negotiations.
Lecornu, who was reappointed prime minister last week after a government that lasted only 27 days, promised renewal and diversity, but largely kept unchanged the majority of candidates for key posts.
The question remains whether the new cabinet will win the opposition’s backing. The left-wing bloc France Insoumise (LFI) said it would file a vote of no confidence on Monday, and the far-right National Rally is also considering the possibility that the government could face a tough vote by the end of the week.
The Socialists, whose support the government will likely need to pass the vote, remain non-committal about their positions.
«No comment»
Lecornu, whose previous government lasted only 14 hours, reappointed Roland Lescure, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, to the post of finance minister. The government is expected to formally submit the budget in the coming days, but the path to it will be difficult due to a divided parliament, where many aim to unseat Macron in 2027.
Lecornu also kept as foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot and as justice minister Gérald Darmanin.
«The only thing guiding my decisions is to serve my country and the French people. Not renouncing any of my convictions, I am therefore taking a leave from all party activity.»
Pensions and the wealth tax – the main negotiating issues
The Socialists insist on scrapping Macron’s pension reform and introducing a wealth tax, but the right is not ready to accept these proposals.
Lecornu hinted at flexibility on pension issues, saying: «All discussions are possible as long as they are realistic.»
If Parliament does not back the government, France could rely on temporary legislation to cover spending from January 1 until the full budget is adopted.
Upcoming is the decisive chapter of budget negotiations, which will determine not only the government’s policy but also France’s course in the coming months.
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