French PM Lecornu unveils first govt appointments

PARIS -- French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Sunday announced the first part of his cabinet lineup, nearly a month after his appointment.

Among the key appointments, Bruno Le Maire, who served as economy minister from 2017 to 2024, was named defense minister, while Roland Lescure was named the economy minister, tasked with delivering a tight budget plan for next year.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot kept his post. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin also retained their positions. Culture Minister Rachida Dati remained in office.

The presidency unveiled 18 names in total, including 16 ministers and two ministers delegate. Further appointments are expected later.

Elysee Palace Secretary-General Emmanuel Moulin said President Emmanuel Macron will convene the first cabinet meeting of the Lecornu government on Monday afternoon.

Following the announcement, National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella criticized the lineup, saying on social media that the new cabinet just "represents continuity" of the old government.

Former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was ousted after losing a confidence vote in the National Assembly over his budget plan on Sept 8. President Macron appointed Lecornu, then defense minister, as prime minister the following day.