Sébastien Lecornu plans to reshuffle his government "before the reserve period" linked to the municipal elections, i.e. February 22, he indicated in an interview given to the regional press and put online on Saturday.

"It will be an adjustment, the French - and the administrations - want above all stability," explained the Prime Minister.

The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, a candidate in Paris, had notably announced on January 18 that she would be leaving the government.

Two other members of the government are candidates at the top of the list: Marina Ferrari (Sports) in Aix-les-Bains and Michel Fournier (Rurality) in Les Voivres (Vosges).

"The issue is Dati. Rachida doesn't want to leave at all. And the president likes Rachida, he doesn't want to push her out," a source within the executive explained this week.

When asked about Gérald Darmanin's case, Mr. Lecornu replied: "The rule hasn't changed. Ministers must take care of their ministries and state affairs, not partisan matters. That's what Gérald Darmanin is doing."

The Minister of Justice explained on RTL on Wednesday that there was an "urgent need to reach an agreement" so that the center and the right "have only one candidate in the summer" for the presidential election.

Regarding the budget process, which culminated in the vote on the Social Security budget and the adoption of the State budget using Article 49.3, Mr. Lecornu believes that "there is indeed a majority to vote for compromise texts." As for Article 49.3, "this choice was not comfortable, but it had become essential to adopt the budget."

"I am convinced that this period leaves a mark: those who will govern after me, including with solid majorities, will be forced to consult more," "there can no longer be any easy way out of 49.3," the head of government believes.

"I did my duty, loyally, to the very end. I made difficult decisions, sometimes contrary to my personal convictions, which is very uncomfortable, because the country's interest came first," Mr. Lecornu added.

"I am not a candidate in the presidential election. I have said it, and I will say it again," added the Prime Minister.

Regarding the municipal elections of March 15 and 22, when asked if he would support any candidates, the Prime Minister stated that it was not his role "in these particular circumstances." "But I encourage ministers to run on lists in their respective constituencies" for this election, he added.