French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, just days before the deadline to present the 2026 draft budget to parliament.

Lecornu, reappointed after his brief resignation last week, retained several key ministers. Jean-Noël Barrot remains foreign minister, while former labour minister Catherine Vautrin becomes defence minister. Roland Lescure takes charge of the economy, and Paris police chief Laurent Nunez replaces Bruno Retailleau as interior minister. Monique Barbut, former WWF France director, will oversee environmental transition. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who faces a corruption trial next year, also kept their posts.

Lecornu described the lineup as a “mission-based government” focused on drafting a responsible budget. He thanked those joining “without partisan interests,” emphasizing national unity amid growing political tension.

Macron reinstated Lecornu after the collapse of his previous cabinet, a move that angered opposition parties promising to challenge the new one. The prime minister faces a divided parliament and pressure from the EU to reduce France’s rising debt.

The right-wing Republicans (LR), once key allies, have refused to join the new government but pledged to cooperate “bill by bill.” Meanwhile, other parties threaten to bring down the cabinet unless Macron revisits unpopular reforms, including the pension age increase to 64.

Lecornu said all issues, including pensions, remain open for discussion, stressing his goal is to “get out of this painful situation.” If he fails to pass the budget, France could resort to emergency measures to keep the government funded from January.

France’s political gridlock continues, with Macron’s presidency under strain since last year’s snap elections left parliament deeply divided.