Macron Unveils New Government Under PM Lecornu Amid Deepening Political Turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday unveiled a new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, composed largely of familiar faces as he seeks to navigate France out of a worsening political crisis.

The cabinet announcement came nearly a month after Lecornu’s appointment as Macron’s seventh prime minister, and just days before he faces a possible no-confidence vote in a fractured parliament. Opposition parties across the spectrum reacted angrily, accusing Macron of ignoring voters’ demand for change.

Bruno Le Maire, economy minister from 2017 to 2024, was named defense minister — a key post amid heightened tensions with Russia over Ukraine. Roland Lescure, a close Macron ally, took over the economy portfolio, tasked with delivering a contentious austerity budget.

Other key ministers retained their positions:

• Jean-Noël Barrot remains foreign minister.

• Bruno Retailleau stays on as interior minister, pledging a tougher line on illegal immigration.

• Gérald Darmanin continues as justice minister.

• Rachida Dati, the scandal-hit culture minister facing a corruption trial next year, also kept her post.

The Élysée named 18 cabinet members in total, with more appointments expected later.

Opposition Outrage

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen derided the new lineup as “pathetic,” while her National Rally colleague Jordan Bardella warned Lecornu that “it’s either a break with the past or a vote of no confidence.”

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the hard-left France Unbowed party, dismissed the reshuffle as a “procession of revenants” — political ghosts from the past. Socialist leader Boris Vallaud accused Macron’s camp of “governing without legitimacy.”

Some opposition figures have urged the president to call snap legislative elections or even resign.

Mounting Pressure

With just 18 months left in office and record-low approval ratings, Macron is under increasing pressure to restore stability. Analysts warn that Lecornu could be ousted within days if opposition lawmakers unite.

“His odds of surviving are dwindling,” said Mujtaba Rahman of the Eurasia Group. “The mood is darkening.”

France’s political deadlock stems from Macron’s gamble on snap elections last year, which left parliament split into three rival blocs. His last two prime ministers — François Bayrou and Michel Barnier — were both forced out after budget standoffs.

Meanwhile, France’s public debt has hit a record high, with its debt-to-GDP ratio now the third highest in the EU after Greece and Italy.

Analyst Paul Taylor of the European Policy Center summed up the mood:

“French politics is now driven by anger and emotion rather than rationality. What a mess France is stuck in — until 2027, and maybe longer.”