Sun Oct 12 21:49:47 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

President Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister of France, tasking him with forming a new government and presenting a 2026 draft budget by Monday. This comes after Lecornu’s previous government collapsed amidst political deadlock and debates over austerity measures. Key cabinet positions have been filled, with some ministers retaining their roles, including the controversial Rachida Dati. Lecornu faces a challenging task, needing to secure parliamentary support for the budget amidst pressure from various parties with conflicting demands. Failure to do so could lead to a need for emergency legislation to authorize spending.

**News Article:**

**Macron Reappoints Lecornu as PM, New Government Faces Urgent Budget Deadline**

**Paris, France -** President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, tasking him with forming a new government and delivering a critical 2026 draft budget by Monday. The move comes after Lecornu’s previous government fell amidst escalating political tensions and disagreements over fiscal policy.

The new cabinet includes several returning ministers, such as Jean-Noel Barrot as foreign minister, and Gerald Darmanin as justice minister. Catherine Vautrin takes on the defence portfolio, while Roland Lescure will serve as economy minister. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez will take over the interior ministry. Notably, Rachida Dati retains her position as culture minister, despite facing an upcoming corruption trial.

Lecornu faces a monumental challenge: securing parliamentary support for the budget amid deep divisions. The right-wing Republicans (LR), a potential ally, have already stated they will only cooperate on a “bill-by-bill” basis. Other parties are demanding concessions, including a rollback of the unpopular pension reforms.

“A mission-based government has been appointed to draw up a budget for France before the end of the year,” Lecornu stated on X. He emphasized the need to prioritize the country’s interests.

President Macron, facing his worst domestic crisis since 2017, has remained publicly silent since the previous government’s collapse. He is scheduled to travel to Egypt on Monday to support a Gaza ceasefire deal, potentially delaying the budget presentation.

Failure to pass a budget would force the government to rely on emergency stopgap legislation to authorize spending.

Read More