New French Cabinet Faces Uncertainty Amid Budget Challenges, Macron Urges Unity
As-salamu alaykum, friends. The future of France's new cabinet will be revealed during Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's first speech on Tuesday, as budget pressures grow stronger.
President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Egypt for a peace summit on Gaza and called on all political groups to "work towards stability." He blamed those trying to undermine Sebastien Lecornu for the current disorder.
France, being the eurozone's second-largest economy, is in political turmoil because Parliament lacks a clear majority and they are arguing over how to reduce the country's deficit.
Macron reappointed Lecornu as Prime Minister last Friday after his earlier term lasted just 27 days due to disputes over cabinet appointments.
The hard-left and far-right parties are planning to support a vote of no confidence against Lecornu, demanding a clear change in policy. The far-right is even pushing for early elections, which they believe they could win.
The socialists are waiting to hear Lecornu's priorities in his Tuesday speech before deciding. They want Macron's pension reforms, a key part of his agenda, to be completely halted. Like other opposition groups, they blame Macron for the political deadlock.
If the socialists also support a no-confidence vote, the government could fall, likely leading to early elections. The party faces a tough choice: either worsen the crisis by toppling the government or support Lecornu and risk being seen as Macron's last backup.
Political leaders are already preparing for the 2027 presidential election, which Macron cannot contest since he will have served two terms.
In a meeting with parties last Friday, Macron suggested possibly delaying the pension reforms until after the 2027 election but didn’t promise a full suspension. France’s pension system is one of Europe's costliest, taking up 14% of GDP.
Lecornu, who said last week he wouldn't seek to stay in the role, accepted the position "out of duty" on Friday. He expressed the need to end the political crisis that frustrates the French and harms France's image and interests.
Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon told a radio station, "This government will fall, and when it does, there will be a dissolution. Then the government can pass its budget by decree. That’s the plan."
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen announced she would present a no-confidence motion on Monday. She said, "The President must promptly announce the dissolution of the National Assembly so the French people can choose a new majority, likely led by Jordan Bardella."
Macron’s new list of ministers includes a mix of newcomers and familiar faces. Jean-Noel Barrot stays as Foreign Minister, Catherine Vautrin moves from labor to defense, and Macron loyalist Roland Lescure leads the economy with next year's budget as a key focus.
New appointments include Paris police chief Laurent Nunez as Interior Minister, replacing Bruno Retailleau, whose party refuses to join any government. Monique Barbut, formerly with the World Wide Fund for Nature in France, heads Environmental Transition. Gerald Darmanin remains Justice Minister. Rachida Dati, despite pending corruption trials, continues as Culture Minister.
May Allah grant wisdom and unity to all leaders managing these challenges.
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