French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, as France faces growing political divisions and uncertainty over the 2026 national budget.
The reshuffle, revealed on Sunday, is seen as Macron’s latest attempt to restore stability and secure parliamentary support after months of political turmoil, protests, and economic challenges.
Lecornu, 39, a close ally of the president and former defence minister, faces his toughest challenge yet: steering France through a fragmented parliament where Macron’s centrist alliance no longer holds a majority. The government must now seek opposition backing to pass key reforms and the upcoming national budget.
“The priority is unity, dialogue, and responsibility. France cannot afford political paralysis,” Lecornu said in a televised statement from Paris.
The new cabinet blends experienced politicians with new faces, signaling Macron’s push for both continuity and renewal.
Ministers of State
Élisabeth Borne – Education
Manuel Valls – Overseas Territories
Gérald Darmanin – Justice
Bruno Retailleau – Interior
Bruno Le Maire – Defence
Ministers
Catherine Vautrin – Health and Labour
Rachida Dati – Culture
Roland Lescure – Economy and Finance
Jean-Noël Barrot – Foreign Affairs
Éric Woerth – Urbanism and Housing
Agnès Pannier-Runacher – Environment
Annie Genevard – Agriculture
Amélie de Montchalin – Budget
Naïma Moutchou – Civil Service, AI, and Digital Affairs
Philippe Tabarot – Transport
Marina Ferrari – Sports and Youth
Junior Ministers
Aurore Bergé – Government Spokesperson and Minister for Gender Equality
Mathieu Lefèvre – Minister for Parliamentary Relations
Macron’s reshuffle comes after months of political gridlock following the June parliamentary elections, where opposition parties from both the left and far right made significant gains. The president has struggled to advance his reform agenda, including changes to public spending, pensions, and immigration policy.
Public confidence in the government has also been shaken by widespread strikes, cost-of-living protests, and criticism over France’s role in European security matters.
Analysts say the new team faces an uphill battle. “This is Macron’s last major political gamble before the 2027 election,” said French political analyst Claire Dubois. “Lecornu must deliver results quickly to regain the public’s trust.”
Lecornu’s government is expected to present the 2026 draft budget to parliament within weeks. The debate will be a critical test of whether Macron’s centrist alliance can build consensus with opposition parties to avoid another vote of no confidence.
The president has called for cooperation across party lines, saying France needs “a government of responsibility, not division.”
