France Unveils New Cabinet Amid Political Turmoil and Looming Budget Battle

France’s presidency announced a new cabinet on Sunday in a desperate effort to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis and secure approval for the 2026 budget. The reshuffle, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, comes as the eurozone’s second-largest economy faces mounting pressure from both domestic unrest and opposition parties.

Prime Minister Lecornu described the new lineup as a “mission-based government,” emphasizing that its main goal is to pass a budget before year’s end. “Only one thing matters: the interests of the country,” he stated on X, thanking members who joined the government despite political divisions.

The announcement sparked immediate reactions across the political spectrum. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen denounced the appointments, vowing to file a motion of no confidence. “The President must dissolve the National Assembly to allow the French people to choose a new majority for change,” Le Pen declared, signaling her party’s intent to force early elections likely led by Jordan Bardella.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard confirmed she would remain in her post, citing the ongoing challenges facing French farmers and the nation’s “serious political crisis.” Meanwhile, the conservative party The Republicans issued a statement distancing itself from members who accepted government roles, warning they would be removed from party leadership positions.

Reactions from other opposition leaders were terse. Socialist Party head Olivier Faure posted a curt “No comment” on X, while Green Party leader Marine Tondelier simply noted, “Everyone knows what I think.”

The new cabinet faces an uphill battle to restore political stability and pass critical fiscal legislation amid growing public frustration and deep divisions in parliament.