France’s recently appointed Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, has opted to retain several key ministers in his cabinet, as reported by French media on Thursday. Notably, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, responsible for overseeing security arrangements for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, confirmed his continuation in the role. This decision follows President Emmanuel Macron’s surprising appointment of the 34-year-old Attal, who is considered Macron’s political successor.
Attal, a rising star in French politics, gained popularity during his tenure as Education Minister, where he implemented a ban on Muslim dress in public schools last year. Originally affiliated with the Socialist Party, Attal shifted to Macron’s centrist movement in 2016 and served as the party’s spokesman in 2018.
Despite the attempt to introduce fresh faces to the government, continuity prevails, with Interior Minister Darmanin and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire retaining their positions. Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti and Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu are also expected to stay, maintaining right-wing political backgrounds, except for Dupond-Moretti, a lawyer.
The decision to keep established figures has been interpreted by French commentators as a signal of relative weakness, particularly in anticipation of a challenging European election in June. Centrist groups close to Macron are trailing in the polls behind the far-right, highlighting the perceived need for strong political figures within the government.
In the cabinet reshuffle, Stephane Sejourne, head of Macron’s Renaissance party and Renew Europe group, has been appointed as France’s Foreign Affairs Minister. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castara retains her position and adds the education portfolio, previously held by Attal. The Culture Ministry goes to Rachida Dati, a member of the conservative party The Republicans.
Prisca Thevenot, Secretary of State for Youth and a rising star in Macron’s entourage, has reportedly been named government spokeswoman. The cabinet composition has maintained the tradition of gender balance, although men are somewhat overrepresented in powerful ministries.
Emmanuel Moulin, a close ally of Macron’s chief of staff Alexis Kohler, is set to become the prime minister’s chief of staff, indicating a potential close monitoring by the President.
The reshuffle is expected to heighten the competition within Macron’s camp for the succession to the presidency in 2027, with former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, Darmanin, Le Maire, and the fast-rising Attal all considered as possible candidates.
