Overview

• Rist, a Renaissance deputy from Loiret and hospital rheumatologist, was named minister of Health, Families, Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities in the Lecornu II government.
• She steps in after Yannick Neuder declined to join the reshuffled cabinet, with Catherine Vautrin departing the broader social portfolio.
• Her near-term agenda includes the PLFSS 2026, an anti-fraud package targeting abusive sick leave and transport billing, measures against medical deserts, and reintroducing end-of-life proposals to the Senate this autumn.
• The PLFSS carries political risk after last year’s use of 49.3 on a similar text preceded Michel Barnier’s censure, sharpening the need for cross-party agreements.
• Hospitals and nursing groups welcomed her arrival, while several liberal doctor unions voiced caution about her track record and influence despite her pledge to seek compromises.