PARIS – National Assembly member Jean-Louis Bourlanges asserted on september 29, 2025, that Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu faces a significant challenge in securing political support, likening his position to needing “to win a part of poker with a two of clover.” The remarks came during an interview on France Inter radio, following the recent guilty verdict in the sarkozy corruption case.
Bourlanges’ analogy underscores the difficulty Lecornu may encounter in navigating the current political landscape, particularly as discussions surrounding potential government reshuffles intensify. He noted a generally restrained response to the court’s decision, even among former associates of nicolas Sarkozy-a reaction he attributed to a possible waning of loyalty.While acknowledging the right of individuals to comment on judicial rulings, Bourlanges emphasized that government officials are uniquely constrained by the principle of separation of powers.
The parliamentarian further stated he would not dispute the assessment that current political discourse often falls short of responsible standards.He specifically referenced the boundaries of acceptable commentary on legal decisions, stating, “The only person who doesn’t have the right to comment on a court decision is a member of the government, because it undermines the separation of powers.” Bourlanges’ comments reflect a broader concern about maintaining institutional integrity amid heightened political scrutiny.
