Paris, France – All eyes in the French capital, Paris, are on the Élysée Palace, where a limited cabinet reshuffle of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s government is now certain, following the government’s success in passing the 2026 budget and overcoming no-confidence motions in parliament.
Key departures and potential replacements
Ministerial sources revealed that the anticipated cabinet reshuffle, expected to be announced before February 22, will see the departure of two prominent ministers due to reasons related to local elections and parliamentary legislation:
Rachida Dati (Minister of Culture): She is preparing to leave her post to focus on her campaign for the Paris mayoralty. Catherine Bigeard (current advisor to the Élysée Palace and former director of the Palace of Versailles) is considered the strongest candidate to succeed her, with the support of President Macron.
Charlotte Parmentier-Lecoq (Minister of Disability and Autonomy): She has announced her intention to return to her parliamentary seat to avoid a vacancy, as her parliamentary replacement is seeking to run for mayor, which is prohibited under French law (the prohibition of holding multiple offices).
Ministers in the municipal race
The political movement isn’t limited to resignations; it also includes ministers who have decided to run in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March while remaining in their posts (for now). These include:
Marina Ferrari (Minister of Sport)
Michel Fournier (Minister of Rural Areas)
Statement: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that he “encouraged” his ministers to run, believing that direct contact with voters strengthens the legitimacy of political action.
