François Rebsamen Steps Down from Sébastien Lecornu's Government over Leftist Convictions
François Rebsamen announces he will not join Sébastien Lecornu's government, citing his commitment to leftist progressive values and social justice.
- • François Rebsamen resigns from the new government led by Sébastien Lecornu citing his leftist convictions.
- • He emphasizes commitment to social and fiscal justice, and decentralization as key reasons for his decision.
- • Rebsamen will continue as President of Dijon Métropole and engage with the Fédération Progressiste ahead of presidential debates.
- • He expresses critical but conditional support for Lecornu's government, depending on alignment with progressive values.
Key details
François Rebsamen, the outgoing Minister of Territorial Planning and Decentralization, announced on October 4, 2025, that he will not join the new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Citing his strong progressive convictions, commitment to social justice, fiscal fairness, and decentralization, Rebsamen expressed that these principles ultimately guided his decision to resign before the official government announcement. At 74, Rebsamen has a longstanding political career, having served as a Socialist minister under François Hollande and previously as Mayor of Dijon. He joined President Emmanuel Macron's administration in December 2024 but now plans to focus on his role as President of Dijon Métropole and participate actively in the Fédération Progressiste, contributing to upcoming presidential election debates.
Despite his departure, Rebsamen voiced hopes for Lecornu's government to succeed in providing stability for the French people. However, his support remains conditional on the government's ability to align with his social-democratic, ecological, European, and progressive ideals. The political environment remains fluid, with Les Républicains deliberating their involvement in the Lecornu cabinet amid concerns over immigration policy directions.
Rebsamen's resignation underscores the ideological tensions within the evolving French government and highlights his dedication to maintaining a critical yet demanding stance rooted in his progressive agenda.