President Macron’s gamble to stabilize French politics with the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister has dramatically backfired, resulting in another political upheaval. Lecornu’s tenure was cut astonishingly short, lasting only 14 hours before his resignation. This rapid collapse, more embarrassing than that of his predecessors, Michel Barnier and François Bayrou, underscores the precariousness of Macron’s political position.
Lecornu’s downfall was precipitated by a swift political maneuver from the conservative Republicans party (LR). Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, leader of the LR, withdrew his party’s support shortly after the cabinet announcement. The official reason cited was the inclusion of former finance minister Bruno Le Maire in the defense portfolio, a move that angered the LR, who view Le Maire as a betrayer and blame him for fiscal mismanagement.
This latest setback intensifies the challenges facing President Macron. The growing unpopularity of the president means that aligning with him is becoming a liability for politicians, particularly with the 2027 presidential election looming. This sentiment is causing a visible splintering within the centrist alliance, with key figures, including former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, distancing themselves from Macron. The situation signals a potential twilight for Macron’s era, as political loyalists begin to prepare for a future beyond his presidency.
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