Lecornu Government Scrambles for Action Amidst Budget Debate and Instability
The French government, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, is under pressure to demonstrate tangible progress as parliamentary debate over the budget continues, with ministers facing a backlog of unresolved issues and a sense of urgency to avoid appearing inactive.
As deputies and senators deliberate on the nation’s finances, ministers are attempting to project an image of proactive governance. However, sources reveal that the initiatives currently underway lack a cohesive, strategic framework. The situation is likened to a chaotic influx of new responsibilities, with ministers grappling to prioritize a multitude of files.
“He does not want us to get stuck in a perpetual PLF (finance bill), because it is only a question of additional taxes or cuts in social assistance, which is extremely anxiety-provoking for the French,” explained a senior official from the Ministry of Finance last week. “We must show that public action continues.” The official further emphasized the need for immediate results, invoking a historical parallel: “Clémenceau said: We recognize a speech by Mr. Jaurès by the fact that all the verbs are in the future tense, our verbs must be in the present tense. The French need to have proof of our ability to change things.”
Concerns of Governmental Disintegration
Beyond the immediate anxieties surrounding the budget, there is a growing concern within the government regarding the potential consequences of inaction. A former minister under François Bayrou warned of a “deleterious effect produced by an immobile government,” stating, “We must put two or three objects into the atmosphere in order to prove Édouard Philippe wrong and show that we can do things, otherwise we risk disintegration. The Roman Empire did not collapse in a day.”
This sentiment is echoed by a current government member, who stressed the importance of demonstrating competence to counter the rise of the far-right. “Every minute counts, we must show that moderate forces are still capable of doing things,” they stated.
Focus on Quick Wins, Avoiding Legislative Hurdles
In response, Lecornu has urged his ministers to prioritize reforms that can be implemented swiftly, circumventing the often-lengthy process of legislative approval. The strategy appears to be modeled on past successes under Emmanuel Macron, such as the introduction of “Macron cars” during his time at the Ministry of Finance. Other examples cited include the creation of high-security prisons under Gérald Darmanin and the ban on the abaya in schools implemented by Gabriel Attal.
Ministers are reportedly favoring actions that do not require new laws. One advisor to the new Minister of the Environment, Monique Barbut, confirmed this approach, stating, “We are working on European perspectives on energy and on COP 30, currently being held in Belém, Brazil, to improve the quality of nutrition in nursing homes.”
A Range of Initiatives Underway
Several ministers have announced specific areas of focus. Minister of the Civil Service, David Amiel, is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence. Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, is spearheading the “France Santé” plan, aiming to ensure all French citizens have access to healthcare within a 30-minute radius. Minister of Education, Édouard Geffray, is concentrating on addressing educational inequalities, noting that 15% of middle schools account for 40% of students facing severe academic difficulties.
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Instability and the Challenge of Reform
Despite these efforts, a sense of underlying instability pervades the executive branch. The frequent reshuffling of ministerial positions since 2024 has led to a corresponding turnover of advisors, creating a period of adjustment and uncertainty. This instability is hindering the government’s ability to pursue more ambitious, “structuring reforms.”
The lack of long-term security is also impacting the ministers’ ability to assert authority. According to sources, some ministers are struggling to navigate questions from journalists, resorting to reviewing files or simply avoiding direct engagement. “As for the ministers, they have difficulty asserting themselves in the face of their administration which knows they are on fixed-term contracts,” one source noted. “Not easy to reform under these conditions.”
