Emmanuel Macron introduces a new government today as he grapples with the most serious domestic crisis of his presidency. This change follows numerous marathon negotiations to reach agreement on the changes. Defence Minister Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was reappointed within days of his resignation. Macron’s government needs to get the 2026 draft budget into parliament by Monday. This next looming deadline adds increasing pressure on the administration.
Since starting his presidency in 2017, Macron has weathered many political storms. The need could not be more acute at this moment in time. Ever since last year’s surprise snap elections, his administration has been trapped in a political gridlock. The elections resulted in a hung parliament and the loss of hundreds of seats, particularly to far-right parties. Macron is not the only one under intense pressure in today’s political climate. Several other groups, Socialists among others, insist that he undo this highly unpopular 2023 pension reform which increased the retirement age from 62 to 64, or else they will promise to bring down his government.
Against this backdrop of congressional chaos, Macron has not spoken publicly since Lecornu’s initial government fell. Riders and advocates emphasize that his silence comes at a critical time. Unquestionably, he is heading into a major international trip to Egypt with him lending support to a ceasefire deal in Gaza that the United States brokered.
Lecornu’s return to the position of Prime Minister signifies a renewed effort to stabilize the government’s approach to pressing issues. Importantly, he followed through on that commitment – recently appointing a missions-based government. Their job now is to come up with a budget for France by the end of the calendar year. The statement underscores just how critical the next budget will be. It will serve as an important blueprint for guiding France’s economic policy over the coming year.
Despite the challenges, Lecornu expressed gratitude towards his cabinet, stating, “I would like to thank the women and men who have freely committed themselves to this government, putting aside personal and partisan interests. Only one thing matters: the interests of the country.” His comments are an important reminder that a true commitment to governance means putting the needs of the country ahead of party.
The reinstatement of Lecornu also ushers in a number of more familiar faces into key positions. Gerald Darmanin will remain as minister of justice. At the same time, Rachida Dati remains culture minister, despite an upcoming trial for corruption charges expected to take place in 2009. This decision confounds critics who are concerned about the integrity of allowing to remain in office those officials under severe indictment.
While Macron’s government continues to attempt to untangle these competing priorities, a fast-approaching budget deadline serves to complicate efforts. The onus is now on this new government to deliver its first draft budget, against a backdrop of uncertainty and opposition from all sides of the political spectrum. All of these efforts are made more complicated by the Socialists’ repeated threats to destabilize Macron’s government, meaning that there is a difficult path forward for his young administration.
