Emmanuel Macron to Announce Streamlined French Government Under Sebastien Lecornu This Weekend

The new government lineup is expected to be unveiled on Saturday morning.

France:

French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to announce a new government this weekend, assembling a more streamlined team under Sebastien Lecornu, as he attempts to address an escalating political crisis, sources informed AFP on Thursday.

The new cabinet configuration will be revealed three weeks following the appointment of Sebastien Lecornu, who becomes the seventh prime minister during Macron's presidency.

Multiple parliamentary and executive sources indicate that the new government lineup will likely be unveiled on Saturday morning or by Sunday evening at the latest.

Lecornu, a politically astute 39-year-old former defense minister, is expected to form a compact team of approximately 20 to 25 ministers, with many key government officials likely retaining their positions, according to sources who spoke with AFP.

In comparison, the cabinet of Lecornu's predecessor, Francois Bayrou, consisted of 35 ministers.

The initiative for a more compact government aligns with authorities' plans to reduce France's mounting public debt, according to an outgoing minister.

"There will be many departures" and "three or four arrivals," the minister stated, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is expected to maintain his position, while the successor to Lecornu as defense minister remains undetermined.

Several individuals have been suggested for the defense post, including the outgoing labor and health minister, Catherine Vautrin.

Economy Minister Eric Lombard, associated with Bayrou's aggressive austerity proposals, is likely to be replaced.

Bruno Retailleau, the firm interior minister who has promised to take strong action against illegal immigration, and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin are both expected to retain their positions.

Education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, the minister for overseas territories, are also anticipated to remain in the government.

Rachida Dati, the controversy-plagued culture minister who faces a corruption trial next year, may be departing, although some believe she will maintain her role.

In early September, the French president appointed Lecornu as prime minister, choosing one of his closest allies rather than attempting to broaden the government's appeal across the political spectrum.

Lecornu has served in every administration since Macron's initial election as president in 2017.

Lecornu's predecessors, Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were both removed during a standoff regarding France's austerity budget in a deeply divided parliament.

France has been trapped in political deadlock since Macron gambled on snap elections last summer, hoping to strengthen his authority. The strategy backfired, resulting in a parliament fragmented between three rival blocs.

Macron, with only 18 months remaining in office and experiencing his lowest-ever popularity ratings, has struggled to guide France out of the worsening political and economic crisis but has stated he will complete the remainder of his term.