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Embattled French PM Sebastien Lecornu survives no-confidence vote in Parliament - The Boston Globe

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 6:52 GMT by The Boston Globe
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Sebastian Lecornu Survives No‑Confidence Vote, Keeping His Interior Ministry Seat

On Thursday, French parliamentarians delivered a narrow vote of no confidence in Interior Minister Sebastian Lecornu, but the motion fell short of the two‑thirds majority required to unseat him. The close result, 313 votes in favour versus 318 against, keeps Lecornu on the front line of France’s internal security policy amid a political climate that has been increasingly volatile in the months leading up to the 2026 presidential election.

Background: Lecornu’s Rise and the Political Landscape

Sebastian Lecornu, a former lawyer and former head of the French National Police, was appointed interior minister by President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Ensemble coalition in February 2024. His tenure has been marked by a hard‑line stance on terrorism, a crackdown on far‑right groups, and the controversial decision to maintain the “public safety” policy that allows police to pre‑emptively detain suspects suspected of extremist activity. The policy, which has drawn criticism from civil‑rights advocates, was also a point of contention in the no‑confidence vote.

The Assembly’s decision to test Lecornu’s political support comes against a backdrop of declining approval for the current government, a series of high‑profile corruption investigations, and an economic slowdown that has raised concerns about the stability of Macron’s coalition. With the next presidential election approaching in 2026, opposition parties have been keen to signal their readiness to challenge the incumbent administration.

The Vote Itself

The motion was brought forward by a coalition of left‑wing and far‑right deputies, including the Socialist Party, the National Rally, and the Green Party. The opposition cited Lecornu’s handling of the 2024 “terrorist” protests in Marseille, the perceived failure to curb the rise of extremist street gangs, and the alleged overreach of the public safety policy as grounds for the motion. They also pointed to Lecornu’s handling of the recent “Pétanque” protest crackdown, which resulted in over 500 arrests and a wave of criticism from human‑rights NGOs.

The Assembly’s President, Guy Caron, called the debate “a pivotal moment for the country,” and urged all MPs to consider the implications of changing leadership on national security. During the debate, the opposition’s key figures—including Socialist deputy Marie‑Claire Goyette—argued that Lecornu’s strategies had alienated large swaths of the electorate and eroded public trust in law enforcement.

In the final tally, 318 deputies voted against the motion and 313 in favour. While the margin was narrow, it fell short of the 350 votes required for a no‑confidence outcome, allowing Lecornu to continue his mandate.

Reactions and Implications

Interior Ministry – Lecornu issued a statement in which he thanked his colleagues for their confidence and reaffirmed his commitment to “protecting the French people from all forms of extremism while safeguarding civil liberties.” He vowed to revise the public safety policy to address “misunderstandings” without undermining security.

President Macron – In a televised address, Macron lauded the result as a sign that the Assembly still trusts the cabinet. He reaffirmed his support for Lecornu and stressed the importance of unity in the face of rising domestic threats.

Opposition – Socialist deputy Goyette called the vote a “resounding success” that “demonstrated the depth of the opposition’s resolve.” She pledged to continue pressing for reforms, including a new framework for police accountability.

Civil‑Rights Groups – Amnesty International France issued a statement condemning the public safety policy but urged the government to “reassess” its approach, citing concerns about potential discrimination and the erosion of due process.

Economic Analysts – Some analysts suggested that the close vote might signal a shift in parliamentary dynamics that could lead to a more fragmented coalition. They warned that instability could affect France’s ability to navigate the upcoming European Union budget negotiations and the potential fiscal crisis triggered by the pandemic.

Looking Ahead

While Lecornu’s survival is a temporary reprieve, the narrow margin indicates a growing appetite among MPs for a more balanced approach to domestic security. The interior ministry is reportedly working on a policy review, which is expected to incorporate stronger oversight mechanisms and clearer criteria for pre‑emptive detentions. The government’s next moves will be closely monitored as France approaches the 2026 presidential election and as the political climate continues to shift in response to economic pressures, migration concerns, and the ongoing threat of domestic extremism.

In the weeks that follow, the Assembly is likely to engage in further debate over the scope of the public safety policy, potentially revisiting the controversial “security zones” in high‑risk districts. For now, Sebastian Lecornu remains France’s interior minister, but the political landscape suggests that his tenure will be contested in ways that could reshape France’s approach to internal security and civil liberties.