The recently announced French government, led by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, unveiled only a significant alteration at the foreign ministry, maintaining consistency with most high-profile Cabinet members remaining unchanged. The interior, finance, defense, and justice ministers retain their positions, as per the statement from the French presidency. The composition of the government was finalized through an agreement between 34-year-old Gabriel Attal, France's youngest-ever premier, and centrist President Emmanuel Macron.
Stephane Sejourne, 38, has been appointed as France's foreign affairs minister, succeeding Catherine Colonna. Sejourne leads Macron's Renaissance party and heads the Renew Europe group at the European Parliament. Notably, he is also Attal's former partner, a detail disclosed by Attal when he first entered Macron's government in 2018. Although the two men never publicly confirmed their breakup, Attal declared having no partner in his October statement to the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life, which records potential conflicts of interest.
With Sejourne's arrival, the absence of a woman in the top government positions raises concerns about gender equality, despite half of the 14 Cabinet members appointed adhering to Macron's commitment to gender balance. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera retains her position and adds the education portfolio, previously held by Attal. The culture ministry is assigned to Rachida Dati, 58, a member of the conservative party and former justice minister under President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Prisca Thevenot, 38, takes on the role of government spokesperson, having previously served as a junior minister in charge of youth. Attal, appointed as the head of the government, faces challenges amid political pressure from the far right. Despite criticism about his young age and relative lack of experience, Attal expressed his commitment to meeting citizens' expectations and addressing challenges in a TF1 national television interview, emphasizing his readiness for the task.
One major challenge for the new government is Macron's centrist alliance losing its parliamentary majority in 2022, leading to political maneuvering and the use of special constitutional powers to pass laws.
