France names new economic and foreign chiefs in a sweeping reshuffle.

France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has appointed Bruno Le Maire as Minister of the Armies and Veterans, completing a broad cabinet reshuffle on 5 October 2025. Le Maire succeeds Lecornu in the defence brief and pledged to “serve the French and our soldiers”.

Le Maire’s move marks a significant shift for a politician long associated with economic policy. He has led the economy ministry across successive governments under prime ministers Édouard Philippe I and II, Jean Castex, Élisabeth Borne and Gabriel Attal. Earlier in his career, he served as an adviser on strategic affairs and as Secretary of State for European Affairs, experience that could shape his approach to defence and veterans’ issues.

The reshuffle also recasts several other top posts. Roland Lescure becomes Minister of the Economy, while Bruno Retailleau remains at the Interior. Gérald Darmanin continues as Minister of Justice, and Amélie de Montchalin stays in charge of Public Accounts. Jean-Noël Barrot of the MoDem party is appointed to Foreign Affairs, Catherine Vautrin takes Health and Labour, and Rachida Dati is named Culture Minister despite ongoing legal troubles. Former prime minister Élisabeth Borne is confirmed at Education, with Manuel Valls taking charge of Overseas territories.

The line-up blends continuity with repositioning of familiar figures, signalling steady stewardship of the public finances alongside changes in key sovereign ministries. Le Maire’s arrival at defence places an experienced cabinet heavyweight at the helm of military and veterans’ policy. The inclusion of allies from across the governing spectrum, including MoDem, suggests an emphasis on experienced hands as the Lecornu government sets its priorities at home and abroad.