Two days after his reappointment as Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu unveiled a new French government. The 34-member cabinet includes some figures less known to the public, according to the list published by the Élysée Palace.
Several ministers remain in their positions, including:
- Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy and Finance, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron
- Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture
- Gérald Darmanin, Minister of Justice
Key cabinet changes include:
- Catherine Vautrin, former Minister of Labor and Health, appointed Minister of Defense
- Laurent Nuñez, Paris police prefect, appointed Minister of the Interior, replacing conservative Bruno Retailleau
- Jean-Pierre Farandou, head of state railway SNCF, appointed Minister of Labor
- Monique Barbut, former head of WWF France, appointed Minister of the Environment
2026 Budget Deadline
Before presenting the new government, Lecornu met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace for consultations. According to a presidential spokesperson, the 2026 budget must be submitted by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to meet the constitutional deadline.
Lecornu faces the challenge of reducing France’s high budget deficit. Conservatives demand spending cuts, while left-leaning liberals push for taxes on billionaires and the suspension of Macron’s controversial pension reform.
The Prime Minister has not ruled out another resignation if the budget fails to pass. His previous cabinet lasted less than 14 hours before he was forced to request its resignation. Lecornu was reappointed by Macron on Friday, October 10, 2025.
