France's New Defense Minister, Le Maire, Has Declined The Post

• 6.10.2025, 20:45

Le Maire said he hoped his departure would allow talks on a new government to resume.

Former French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, appointed Minister of the French Armed Forces, has refused to resign. He wrote about it on social network X.

"I note that my decision [to enter the government] is causing an incomprehensible, false and disproportionate reaction from some people.... Late this morning I offered to withdraw from the government immediately and hand over my powers as Minister of the Armed Forces to the Prime Minister. The president accepted my proposal," he said.

Le Maire said he hoped his departure would allow talks on a new government to resume.

He was appointed minister of the armed forces by French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornuet, who previously held the post himself. Lecornu succeeded François Bayrou, whose government was given a vote of no confidence, but 27 days later, on October 6, he also resigned.