France’s newly re-appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Sunday unveiled his new Cabinet, balancing members of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance, conservative allies, and a few figures from outside politics, AP reported.The 39-year-old Lecornu faces immediate challenges, including producing a national budget and restoring investor confidence amid growing political turmoil and public discontent. France’s parliament remains deeply fractured, with Macron’s camp lacking a clear majority, increasing the risk of a no-confidence vote.Among key appointments, former labor minister Catherine Vautrin was named defense minister, tasked with overseeing France’s military support for Ukraine and addressing European security threats from Russia. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez, who supervised security operations during the 2024 Paris Olympics, was appointed interior minister, while Roland Lescure will take charge as finance minister, a pivotal post as France grapples with rising debt and poverty.Foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot retained his position and is set to accompany Macron to Egypt on Monday for an international ceremony marking the Gaza ceasefire, the report added.Opposition parties have demanded fresh elections or even Macron’s resignation, arguing that the president’s government no longer reflects the will of the people. With his term running until 2027, Macron and Lecornu will need to negotiate across political lines to keep the government afloat.
