Republicans Resist Joining Lecornu’s New Government Amid Political Tensions

Following the confirmation of Sébastien Lecornu as France's Prime Minister, internal opposition within The Republicans (LR) party has surfaced strongly against their participation in the upcoming government. Bruno Retailleau, leader of LR, along with Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate, have openly opposed the idea of their party joining Lecornu's administration, signaling a potential fracture in the center-right's support for the government. This resistance aligns with wider political tensions, as the Socialist Party threatens to censure Lecornu unless pension reform plans are immediately and fully suspended, highlighting the government's fragile position.

Hervé Marseille, president of the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI) and leader of the centrist Senate group, also expressed reservations about Lecornu’s reappointment, casting doubt on the feasibility of a purely non-political "mission government." Marseille stated, "A technical government, I don't believe in it too much; it doesn't exist. Choices are political." He noted a growing unwillingness among politicians to join the government due to instability and suggested that his party would prefer "supporting without participating." Marseille emphasized the complexity of the budget beyond pension reform and called for clarity for workers amidst ongoing legislative debates.

These developments reveal an ongoing struggle within France’s political landscape to form a stable government with cohesive support. While Lecornu remains at the helm, disagreements within and across parties underscore the challenges ahead, particularly concerning pension reforms and the durability of alliances.