French PM weighs Cabinet reshuffle once 2026 state budget is adopted

(MENAFN) French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is reportedly weighing the option of reshaping his Cabinet once the 2026 national budget is fully finalized and approved, according to information from individuals familiar with discussions within his office.

“The prime minister is considering proposing a government adjustment to the president of the republic after the budget process, if it concludes successfully,” a source said, echoing earlier reports.

Asked about the speculation, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon avoided addressing the matter directly, emphasizing that decisions regarding ministerial changes rest solely with the president and the prime minister.

“With the budget process drawing to a close, the government’s activities cannot be limited to managing day-to-day affairs,” she said, pointing to forthcoming political debates ahead of the 2027 presidential race as well as what she described as “urgent daily issues that cannot wait.”

At the same time, Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who is seeking the post of Paris mayor, stated over the weekend that she intends to step down from the government before the municipal campaign begins in order to concentrate on her candidacy.

Two additional ministers — Sports Minister Marina Ferrari and Rural Affairs Minister Michel Fournier — are also running in upcoming local elections, in Aix-les-Bains and the Vosges area, respectively.

Health Minister Stephanie Rist is another official whose future in the Cabinet may be uncertain, following her participation in the second round of a parliamentary by-election in the Loiret region on Sunday. She had previously indicated that she would resign from her government role if she did not secure the seat.

France has experienced prolonged political instability tied to the passage of the 2026 budget, a process that led to no-confidence motions in parliament and intensified strains within the ruling coalition.

Since assuming office last year, Lecornu has repeatedly stated that his main objective is to maintain political stability while advancing major economic reforms, including the adoption of the budget.

Any eventual Cabinet reshuffle would require the formal approval of President Emmanuel Macron.

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