Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Unveils Major Cabinet Reshuffle with Key Reappointments and New Faces

On October 5, 2025, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a significant cabinet reshuffle featuring 18 ministers, blending continuity and new appointments as part of his government’s first major personnel move since taking office nearly a month prior. A notable aspect of this reshuffle is the retention of around ten ministers, including prominent figures such as Gérald Darmanin, Bruno Retailleau, and Rachida Dati, signaling a degree of stability amidst change. Returning ministers with key portfolios include Roland Lescure, appointed to oversee the Economy, Éric Woerth handling Territorial Development, and Bruno Le Maire managing the Armed Forces. Alongside these familiar faces, Lecornu welcomed two new members, marking a strategic refresh in ministerial ranks.

Agnès Pannier-Runacher remains Minister of Ecological Transition, a role she has held since October 5, 2024. However, her portfolio is now more focused, encompassing Biodiversity, Forest, Sea, and Fishing, while energy, transport, and housing have shifted to other ministries, with Energy under the Ministry of Economy led by Lescure. Despite a slight improvement in the ministry’s government ranking to eleventh, it remains diminished compared to earlier phases of President Macron’s tenure. Pannier-Runacher faces considerable challenges, notably the ongoing struggle against anti-environmental legislative amendments and budgetary constraints. Crucial climate strategies, including the third national low-carbon strategy (SNBC3) and multiannual energy program (PPE3), remain delayed after two years, impeding France’s decarbonization efforts.

Pannier-Runacher emphasized the urgency of tackling climate change, advocating for the ministry to be rebranded as "Ecological Emergency" to better convey its mission. She highlighted the alarming trends of greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the national target of a 55% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Experts urge the government to accelerate action to meet these commitments amid this reshuffle.

This cabinet renewal under Lecornu reflects a balance between retaining experienced ministers and integrating fresh leadership, against a backdrop of complex political and environmental challenges confronting France in 2025.