Sébastien Lecornu's new government, formed on October 12, faces immediate no-confidence motions from La France Insoumise and the National Rally. The Socialist Party, led by Olivier Faure, demands the suspension of the retirement reform or it will vote to censure. Lecornu is set to deliver his general policy statement to the National Assembly on October 14.
Sébastien Lecornu, reappointed to Matignon after his first government's fall due to a crisis with the Republicans and Bruno Retailleau, formed a second team on the evening of October 12. Comprising 34 ministers, including 18 holdovers or returnees from the Macron era, this lineup features civil society figures, Macron loyalists, and dissident LR members, with no real left-wing openings. The Élysée, under Emmanuel Macron, oversaw the late nominations, retaining figures like Gérald Darmanin at Justice and Roland Lescure at Bercy.
On October 13, Lecornu addressed his ministers for the first time, stating the government's 'sole mission' is to 'surpass this political crisis' by passing a budget by year's end. He called for 'sobriety,' 'humility,' and to 'put egos aside.' The first Council of Ministers is scheduled for the morning of October 14, followed by his general policy statement at 3 p.m. in the National Assembly.
The government faces threats from the outset: two no-confidence motions were filed on October 13 by La France Insoumise and the National Rally, who decry the lack of rupture. PS leader Olivier Faure reiterated, 'We demand the immediate and complete suspension of the retirement reform; otherwise, we will censure the government.' Similar calls come from François Hollande and Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion. Socialists and Greens seek at least a suspension, while Macron has only offered a delay in the retirement age. Without compromise, censure could occur in coming days, risking a regime crisis per editorials.
