Overview

• Most ministers have handled only routine affairs since François Bayrou resigned on September 11 after losing a confidence vote, leaving Sébastien Lecornu as the lone minister with full powers.
• The prime minister has consulted parties, opposition groups and unions without securing a cabinet lineup or clear support.
• Union leaders announced a new national day of action for October 2 following a meeting with Lecornu this week.
• A practical cutoff looms because the 2026 budget must be presented by October 7 and ministers who resigned but hold Assembly seats would return to Parliament on October 8.
• Lecornu faces a narrow path that preserves ties with Les Républicains while likely requiring concessions to the Socialist Party to keep a future government viable.