France's Political Crisis Deepens as Macron Unveils Second Lecornu Government

French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed a new government lineup on Sunday following extensive negotiations to form a cabinet amid France's ongoing political deadlock.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, making his second attempt at assembling a viable team, has combined familiar faces with new appointments as the country struggles to overcome months of political impasse.

"A mission-driven government has been appointed to provide France with a budget before the end of the year," Lecornu announced on social media platform X.

The newly formed government faces an immediate challenge with the requirement to present a 2026 draft budget before Tuesday's deadline, allowing parliament the constitutionally mandated 70 days for review before year-end.

This administration's survival remains precarious, especially considering parliament has already toppled Lecornu's two predecessors over proposed austerity measures, with many critics expressing dissatisfaction with his reappointment.

According to the official cabinet announcement from the president's office, Jean-Noel Barrot maintains his position as foreign minister, while former labor minister Catherine Vautrin assumes the defense portfolio. Macron loyalist Roland Lescure has been tasked with managing the economy, with next year's budget as his primary focus.

France has been entrenched in political uncertainty since Macron called snap elections last year, which backfired by resulting in a hung parliament and increased support for far-right parties rather than strengthening his position.

After his appointment as prime minister in early September, Lecornu presented an initial cabinet last Sunday but resigned just one day later following criticism that the lineup lacked fresh perspectives. Macron's decision to reinstate Lecornu late Friday has provoked outrage and promises from opposition parties to remove his cabinet at the earliest opportunity.

Lecornu, previously defense minister and a devoted Macron supporter who describes himself as a "warrior monk," stated last week that the government should include technocrats but exclude anyone with presidential ambitions for the 2027 election when Macron's term concludes.

The revised cabinet announced Sunday places Paris police chief Laurent Nunez in charge of the interior ministry, replacing Bruno Retailleau whose right-wing Republicans party has declined participation in Lecornu's government.

Monique Barbut, formerly France director of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), will head the ministry of environmental transition, while Gerald Darmanin, known for his tough stance on security issues including high-security prisons, remains justice minister.

Controversial culture minister Rachida Dati, who faces a corruption trial next year, also retains her position in the new lineup.

President Macron, confronting the most severe domestic crisis since beginning his presidency in 2017, has not yet publicly addressed the collapse of Lecornu's first government. He is scheduled to visit Egypt on Monday to support U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire negotiations—a trip that could potentially delay the budget draft presentation.

While the premier has committed to collaborating with all mainstream political groups, he faces significant pressure from across the political spectrum. The leftist Socialists, a crucial swing group, have threatened to bring down his government unless he withdraws support for the controversial 2023 pension reform that increased the retirement age from 62 to 64.

The right-wing Republicans, once key allies, announced this weekend they would only cooperate on individual legislation rather than offering broader support. Meanwhile, the far-right National Rally, currently the largest party in parliament with aspirations for power in 2027, has pledged to vote against any new Lecornu government.