President Emmanuel Macron has once again turned to Sébastien Lecornu to lead France’s government, reinstating him as Prime Minister just four days after his initial resignation. This surprising move comes after a tumultuous week marked by political uncertainty and follows a series of meetings between Macron and key political figures. Lecornu himself had publicly stated that his “mission is over” only days prior, making his return a significant development.
Lecornu now faces the formidable task of forming a new government and tackling France’s significant economic challenges, including reducing the national debt and budget deficit. These issues have proven to be destabilizing for French politics, having led to the downfall of two previous prime ministers within the last year. With presidential elections looming in 18 months, Lecornu has been granted broad authority by President Macron to act, but his success will be heavily dependent on his ability to unite a fractured political landscape.
The political climate is further complicated by Macron’s current low approval ratings and his government’s lack of a parliamentary majority. This situation means Lecornu will likely face a vote of no confidence, adding another layer of difficulty to his premiership. Opposition parties, such as the National Rally, have already voiced strong criticism, labeling the reappointment as a “bad joke” and signaling potential challenges ahead.