President Emmanuel Macron has once again appointed Sébastien Lecornu as France’s Prime Minister, a move that comes after a tumultuous week of political upheaval. Lecornu’s reappointment follows his unexpected resignation just 26 days into the job, creating a significant period of instability for the nation.
The decision was announced late Friday, following President Macron’s meetings with various political parties, notably excluding the far-right and far-left factions. Lecornu’s return to the premiership was somewhat surprising, especially considering his recent public statement that his “mission is over” and he was not actively seeking the position.
Lecornu, a loyal ally of President Macron and a relatively young figure at 39, has accepted the mission “out of duty,” as stated in a lengthy message on X. His immediate priorities include presenting the national budget to parliament by Monday and addressing the everyday concerns of French citizens. He has acknowledged the difficulty of his task, particularly given the limited time left in Macron’s presidency.
The new Prime Minister faces significant hurdles, including a lack of a majority in the National Assembly, which means he will likely need to navigate a complex political landscape to pass legislation. President Macron’s approval ratings have also reached a new low, adding to the challenging environment.
The political divisions in France, particularly concerning the national debt and budget deficit, have led to frequent changes in leadership over the past year. Lecornu’s appointment is seen as a crucial step in attempting to restore stability, although opposition leaders have been critical, with some vowing to block any new government through no-confidence votes.
The central bank has warned that the ongoing political uncertainty is hindering France’s economic growth. Governor François Villeroy de Galhau indicated that an estimated 0.2% of potential growth has been lost due to the instability, emphasizing the urgent need for compromise and stable governance.
Should Lecornu fail to assemble a government, the nation could face further instability, potentially leading to even greater economic repercussions. The formation of his government will be closely watched, as it will set the tone for the remainder of Macron’s term.