Retailleau‘s Stance Blocks LR commitment to Lecornu Government
PARIS – A potential government reshuffle lead by Prime Minister Sébastien lecornu is facing a critical roadblock: the firm position of former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau,whose continued insistence on clarity regarding the government’s legislative program is preventing The Republicans (LR) from offering a full commitment.
While LR initially hoped for a “Letter of commitment” from Lecornu on october 3rd, the Prime Minister’s decision to forgo the use of Article 49.3 of the constitution to pass the 2026 budget has not resolved the underlying issue. According to sources close to LR deputies leader Laurent Wauquiez, “To give up 49.3 does not prevent the government from presenting a legislative program. It is this program that we want to know to know if we are committed or not.”
Within the party historically aligned with Gaullism, there was notably no outcry over the potential use of 49.3, with several resigned LR ministers even welcoming Lecornu’s decision to engage with parliament. Yannick Neuder (Health) lauded it as “the clear choice of dialog” on X, while Annie Genevard (Agriculture) called it “a confidence bet.” Though, a source within LR revealed the core of the issue: “It’s simple: they all want to stay but are held by the position of [Bruno] Retailleau.”
The standoff underscores the delicate balance Lecornu faces in building a stable coalition, with Retailleau’s demands effectively holding LR’s participation in the balance. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s agenda and the conditions set by potential coalition partners, perhaps impacting the future direction of French policy.
