Bruno Le Maire declines role as France’s defence minister

Bruno Le Maire, former French Minister of Economy and Finance, who had been appointed Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government, announced that he had declined the position.

His decision came after his appointment faced criticism from the opposition. Le Maire expressed hope that his departure would help unblock negotiations over the formation of the new government.

“I note that my decision has triggered an incomprehensible, false, and disproportionate reaction from some people,” Bruno Le Maire wrote on X, noting that he had accepted the post “out of a sense of duty” and in the interest of “serving France.”

“In light of these circumstances, I proposed this morning to the President of the Republic to immediately leave the government and transfer my responsibilities to the Prime Minister,” he added, stating that the proposal was approved by the President.

Earlier on 6 October, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his resignation. Lecornu is the fifth head of government in the past three years. On 5 October, he presented the composition of the new government, formed 26 days after his appointment, with more than half of the positions going to members of the previous government. Opposition parties criticised the new cabinet, prompting Lecornu to resign.

By Vugar Khalilov