The Lecorn government divides Republicans. Six ministers suspended

The French Republican party (LR) announced in a statement on Wednesday that it was suspending the rights of members of this grouping of ministers who remained in the new government of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu or joined this cabinet.

The request for suspension was submitted by Othman Nasrou, secretary general of the party and a close associate of its leader Bruno Retailleauwho was to become the Minister of Internal Affairs in the first Lecorn government, but led to the fall of this cabinet.

“Remaining in this government would mean uniting with Macronism, renouncing the independence and beliefs that underlie our activities,” the party authorities wrote in a statement issued after a meeting of the group's political office.

Six ministers were suspended as members of the Republican Party: Annie Genevard (agriculture), Rachida Dati (culture), Philippe Tabarot (transport), Vincent Jeanbrun (housing), Sebastien Martin (industry) i Nicolas Forissier (foreign trade).

These ministers announced earlier on Wednesday that they had “withdrawn from all functions” in the party.

According to the French media, the dissatisfaction of Republicans caused by the prime minister's plans contributed to the fall of the first Lecorn government division of positions between LR and centrist parties (Macron's camp). Republicans were supposed to get it four positions ministerial, and Macron's Rebirth party – 10. Amid tensions over ministerial appointments, Lecornu resigned on October 6, before the first meeting of his government.

After Lecornu was nominated prime minister for the second time, Retailleau announced that his formation would not join the new government. However, six ministers representing LR defied Retailleau's order not to join the cabinet. (PAP)

died/san/