Politics France's new government is heading for crisis
France's future centre-right government is already heading for an internal crisis hours after the distribution of key portfolios. Bruno Retailleau, the confirmed interior minister and leader of the conservative Républicains, expressed his dissatisfaction with the composition of the new government and announced a crisis meeting of his party today. There is speculation that the conservatives will withdraw from the government formed with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist camp, which already does not have a majority in parliament.
06.10.2025, 03:06
SDA
Retailleau had previously demanded a third of the ministerial posts for his party and is dissatisfied with the role and weight of the conservatives in the new government, the broadcaster rfi reported, citing party officials. The conservatives are also outraged that Bruno Le Maire, the long-serving Minister of Economy and Finance who left in 2024 and belongs to Macron's centrist party, was surprisingly appointed Minister of Defense.
Warning against leaving the government
Conservative Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who was also confirmed in office, warned her party against leaving the government. "At a serious moment for the country, the Républicains must not shirk their responsibilities," Dati wrote. "Leaving just a few hours after agreeing to join the government means provoking chaos and disorder. The French expect a sense of responsibility from us."
Less than four weeks after his appointment, France's new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu presented the future government's key portfolios on Sunday evening. Most of them will remain in the hands of the previous incumbents.
New government already facing vote of no confidence
Lecornu's government statement is expected on Tuesday. The prime minister and his government team then face a vote of no confidence from the opposition. France is in the midst of a budget crisis. The previous government under François Bayrou fell in a vote of confidence in a dispute over the planned austerity budget. At around 3.3 trillion euros, the country has the highest debt in the European Union.
