Sébastien Lecornu, the former mayor of Vernon and Secretary of the Armed Forces since 2022, has officially retained his position. The announcement came at 6:45 PM on Monday, December 23, 2024, when Alexis Kohler, the Secretary General of the Élysée, revealed the new cabinet under Prime Minister François Bayrou, appointed just ten days prior.
Lecornu's political adventure began back in 2017 when he first served as Secretary of State under Nicolas Hulot, the Minister of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, from June 2017 until July 2020. He then headed the Ministry of Overseas Territories from July 2020 to May 2022 before assuming the role of Minister of the Armed Forces. Lecornu stands out as the sole survivor from the initial cabinet formed under President Emmanuel Macron's leadership.
His love for the military is evident, as he expressed, "My passion is here, and I was ready to continue the action started to transform our armed forces, with the doubling of their budget, transitioning our defense industry to a wartime economy, and the technological innovations like artificial intelligence and space initiatives." He emphasized these sentiments during an earlier interview, underlining the pressing and fascinating projects currently underway within the military ministries.
This government reshuffle sees 16 ministers from Michel Barnier's administration transitioning to Bayrou's government, including Lecornu among both full and delegated ministers. The prominent figures maintaining their roles signal continuity amid rampant speculation and numerous changes.
Interestingly, Lecornu's close ties to Macron have been highlighted as key to his retention. While some eyebrows were raised about his suitability—particularly from Bayrou—his unwavering support for Macron's initiatives has rendered him indispensable. The Prime Minister sought strong, experienced personalities for his cabinet, and Lecornu fits this criteria, as he is noted for having navigated multiple ministerial roles successfully since first entering government.
Lecornu was favored by Macron early on and has witnessed multiple governmental reshuffles without losing his footing. His tenure as Minister of the Armed Forces began on May 20, 2022. He has remained loyal to Macron's vision, evident during pivotal times as the government faced various crises, including the Yellow Vest protests. His proposal to involve local leaders in national-level debates showcased his inclination to incorporate grassroots perspectives.
Despite being mentioned as a potential Prime Minister candidate on several occasions, he has continuously reaffirmed his commitment to defense matters. His legislative push for the military program law, which will allocate €413.3 billion over seven years from 2024 to 2030, has attracted praise across political lines. This law marks a significant 40% budget increase compared to previous spending commitments.
"Lecornu is seen as someone who possesses the strategic acumen and political savvy to wield influence not just within the military but government-wide," commented former chief of staff, General François Lecointre. Described as "a very political minister who cherishes his role" and who ardently supports the armed forces, Lecornu is considerably respected both by military officials and his ministerial colleagues.
Nevertheless, his image hasn't been without controversy. Reports have surfaced linking him to upper league political matters and even meetings with opposition figures such as Marine Le Pen, which he adamantly denies. These networking episodes inject complexity within his dual image of political strategist and steadfast minister.
Another layer to Lecornu's political presence is his background; he was first elected as Mayor of Vernon and has served as the head of the Department of Eure. He drew upon his local elected experience when stepping onto the national stage. This connection to local constituents significantly informs his actions and policies, ensuring he remains grounded.
Looking forward, the upcoming challenges within the defense sector amplify the importance of his reappointment. Lecornu's role will be pivotal as the government grapples with pressing national security issues, budget management, and the continuous push for modernization of the armed forces. This upcoming period is set to be characterized by not only managing military resources but also integrating technological advancements effectively.
His future, like his past, seems interconnected with the administration of Macron. While François Bayrou may have lukewarm support for Lecornu, the dynamics of the government showcase the mixed interplay of political loyalties and necessities. The established partnership between Lecornu and Macron will likely dictate future developments within the ministry and the broader government framework.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding cabinet relations, Lecornu's position reflects continuity in direction for defense policies, assuring the military's voices and priorities are maintained within the government. His steadfast approach to potentially contentious matters exemplifies his capability to lead through transition and transformation, aiming for elevated standards within France's defense apparatus.
