President Emmanuel Macron has reinstated Sebastien Lecornu as France’s Prime Minister, a surprising move just days after Lecornu’s resignation, in a bid to resolve ongoing political instability and economic challenges. Lecornu has been tasked with forming a new government and securing the national budget, a crucial step for the stability of Macron’s second term, which is set to conclude in 2027.
The political landscape has been turbulent, with Lecornu stepping down last week following internal disagreements within his recently appointed cabinet. This latest decision underscores Macron’s determination to regain control amidst a challenging political climate, exacerbated by his administration’s lack of a parliamentary majority. The Elysee Palace’s brief announcement mirrored the brevity of Lecornu’s initial appointment a month prior.
Lecornu accepted the reappointment with a declared sense of duty, outlining his core responsibilities: finalizing the budget by year’s end and attending to the daily concerns of the French populace. He made it clear that any individual joining his new government would have to renounce any aspirations for the presidency in 2027, emphasizing a commitment to “renewal and a diversity of expertise.” Lecornu articulated the need to overcome the current “political crisis that frustrates the French and undermines our country’s image and interests.”
The sudden resignation on Monday, triggered by opposition from a key coalition partner, had amplified calls for Macron to step down or call for early elections. Macron, however, rejected these demands and instead moved to re-establish Lecornu’s leadership. Political party leaders emerged from meetings with Macron expressing continued uncertainty, with concerns that the National Assembly might reject another prime minister from Macron’s weakened centrist bloc, perpetuating the governmental impasse. France is currently facing significant economic pressures, including a debt burden of 114% of GDP and a poverty rate that reached 15.4% in 2023, the highest on record.