French PM Lecornu forms new cabinet amid protests over spending cuts | World News - The Indian Express skip to contentAdvertisementSeveral of President Emmanuel Macron’s allies retained their posts, including Jean-Noël Barrot as minister for Europe and foreign affairs and Élisabeth Borne as education minister.By: Express Web Desk October 6, 2025 10:19 AM IST First published on: Oct 6, 2025 at 10:18 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookFrench Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu delivers a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, before a round of consultations with political parties ahead of the announcement of the new government. (Pool Photo via AP)Newly appointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced part of his cabinet after weeks of political pressure and large-scale protests over proposed public spending cuts, Euronews reported.According to the Élysée Palace, an initial list of 18 ministers was revealed on Sunday evening by Secretary General Emmanuel Moulin. In a surprise move, Bruno Le Maire, formerly the economy minister, was named minister of the armed forces and veterans’ affairs, replacing Lecornu.Several of President Emmanuel Macron’s allies retained their posts, including Jean-Noël Barrot as minister for Europe and foreign affairs and Élisabeth Borne as education minister. Meanwhile, Roland Lescure, previously industry minister between 2022 and 2024, takes over as finance minister, succeeding Éric Lombard.On the right, despite earlier warnings from Bruno Retailleau that participation from Les Républicains “was not a given,” several ministers from the party kept their positions. Retailleau continues as interior minister, while Gérald Darmanin remains justice minister.Eric Woerth, a former Sarkozy-era minister, will take charge of the overseas territories portfolio after François Rebsamen declined to join the new government, citing his “convictions as a left-wing, progressive man.”Macron will convene the new cabinet for a Council of Ministers meeting on Monday afternoon, according to the Élysée.Political challenges aheadLecornu is set to address Parliament on Tuesday in his first general policy speech.Most Read1Gaza Peace Plan Live Updates: Hamas delegation reaches Egypt for ceasefire talks as Trump urges mediators to ‘move fast’2‘Dragged by hair, kept in infested cell’: Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of harsh treatment in detention3As China opens world’s tallest bridge, here are the top 10 tallest bridges in the world4US woman pleads ‘how much can I give you to stop?’ during NYC apartment rape, suspect arrested5Israel has agreed to ‘initial withdrawal line’ in Gaza, announces Trump6At least 44 killed in Nepal after heavy rain, landslides; PM Modi offers condolencesDescribing himself as “the weakest prime minister of the Fifth Republic,” Lecornu pledged to avoid using Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows governments to bypass parliamentary approval on budget bills.“In a parliament that works… you cannot force your way through or coerce your opposition,” he said on Friday.Despite Lecornu’s assurance, opposition parties remain sceptical. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, warned of a likely motion of censure, citing dissatisfaction over the lack of wealth tax reforms and pension changes.AdvertisementAdvertisementLoading Taboola...SubscribeSign InJournalism of CourageTop CategoriesLATEST STORIESFrench PM Lecornu forms new cabinet amid protests over spending cutsOpenAI’s Sora makes disinformation extremely easy and extremely realJaipur Hospital Fire Live Updates: Victims’ kin allege negligence by staff, protest outside SMS Hospital after 7 patients killed in blazeFoxconn third-quarter revenue hits record, misses market forecastSpectators run for cover as drone fireworks show goes wrong in China, chilling video shows flames raining down from skyTilly Norwood, AI are coming for Hollywood. It’s not art, but a piece of codeGATE Registration 2026: IIT Guwahati to close applications today, apply at gate2026.iitg.ac.inLack of balance in defence, players not used to pressing system: Liverpool’s tactical conundrum after summer of massive spendingDaily Briefing: Tragedy strikes Queen of HillsBihar Assembly Election 2025 Date Live Updates: Bihar poll dates out today; EC likely to cut down phases‘Deeply saddening’: PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Jaipur hospital fireAmazon founder Jeff Bezos says ‘AI bubble’ is real but its impact on society will be ‘gigantic’EC set to announce Bihar poll dates at 4 pm today; elections likely in fewer phases this timeIndian-origin motel manager in US’ Pittsburgh shot dead after trying to help during argumentDelhi wakes up to a chill in the air after overnight rain; more wet spells likely today and TuesdayAt 51, Malaika Arora does these ‘7 Chinese body movements’ to ‘feel 10 years younger and five kilos lighter’