French President Emmanuel Macron has re-appointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister just four days after his resignation. Lecornu has been tasked with forming a new Cabinet and presenting a budget by the end of the year. This decision follows extensive discussions and a meeting between Macron and party leaders. France has been in a political deadlock since the dissolution of parliament in June 2024, leading to snap elections that resulted in a hung National Assembly and left Macron’s centrist bloc without a majority.
Lecornu expressed on social media that his objective is to provide France with a budget and address the daily challenges faced by citizens. He emphasized that members joining his new Cabinet must refrain from participating in the 2027 presidential race, focusing instead on bringing in fresh perspectives and diverse expertise.
The reappointment of Lecornu is viewed as Macron’s final attempt to rejuvenate his presidency, which extends until 2027. With a resistant parliament and a populace growing increasingly frustrated with instability, Macron’s options are limited. Previous administrations have crumbled due to internal conflicts, coalition breakdowns, and controversial policies such as the pension reform that raised the retirement age to 64. Lecornu himself stepped down shortly after unveiling a new Cabinet, facing opposition from key allies.
Marine Tondelier, leader of The Ecologists party, remarked that Macron’s isolation seems to be reinforcing his inflexibility, cautioning that another staunch Macron supporter leading the government could further distance parliament.
France’s political impasse coincides with mounting economic pressures. Public debt stands at €3.346 trillion ($3.9 trillion), equal to 114% of GDP, while the poverty rate has surged to 15.4%. Investors and EU authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the European Commission urging France to align its deficit with EU regulations. Credit rating agencies have highlighted the lack of fiscal control.
Both major opposition parties, the far-right National Rally and far-left France Unbowed, boycotted Macron’s consultations, with the former calling for new elections and the latter demanding Macron’s resignation.
Lecornu is banking on Macron’s centrist bloc, allied parties, and sections of the opposition to cobble together a fragile majority to pass a budget and avoid another vote of no confidence. Despite the challenges, Lecornu remains optimistic about the possibility of governing with the available majority.