Bruno Retailleau Maintains Interior Ministry Role Amid Political Controversies in Lecornu Government

Bruno Retailleau continues to serve as France's Minister of the Interior under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu as of October 2025. Since his appointment in September 2024, and subsequent election as president of Les Républicains with over 74% of the vote, Retailleau has taken a strong stance aligning closely with far-right positions, particularly focusing on policies adversely affecting foreigners in France, though major legislative achievements have remained elusive due to broader government inertia.

Shortly after taking office, Retailleau sparked controversy by stating in an interview that "the rule of law is not untouchable or sacred," critiquing the state’s handling of crimes committed by foreigners in irregular situations. He also explicitly opposed Muslim women wearing veils in sports with the slogan "down with the veil" during a March conference.

A key political setback occurred when the Constitutional Council rejected Retailleau’s supported proposal to extend detention for foreigners deemed serious threats from 90 to 210 days, a measure already applied to convicted terrorists. Following this, Retailleau committed to drafting new legislation compliant with Council rulings. Currently, his main legislative effort is a delayed bill intended to strengthen municipal police authority, pending presentation to the Council of State due to government delays.

Beyond Retailleau’s portfolio, recent demonstrations in Paris saw Socialist Party figures face hostility, while concerns rose over Prime Minister Lecornu potentially using constitutional Article 47 to bypass Parliament on budget approval—actions of relevance given the government's broader political context.