PARIS — The tumultuous week in French politics culminated with President Emmanuel Macron reappointing Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister late Friday, restoring a sense of continuity amid the chaos that had unfolded earlier in the week. This decision came just days after Lecornu’s unexpected resignation, which had thrown the nation into a political crisis.
Lecornu, who accepted the position once more out of a sense of duty, stated on X that he would strive to provide France with a budget by the year’s end. His initial term was abruptly interrupted on Monday, merely 14 hours following his cabinet’s announcement, due to backlash from opposition parties and dissatisfaction within his minority coalition. This left his position precarious.
Political challenges and cabinet controversies
The 39-year-old Prime Minister attributed the government’s recent collapse partly to “partisan appetites.” He emphasized that any future ministers must “commit to disconnect from presidential ambitions for 2027,” establishing a clear boundary in a politically charged environment. Despite indications that Lecornu’s renomination was likely, speculation surrounded whether he could navigate the complex political landscape effectively.
Appointing a new prime minister would have inevitably involved presenting a budget already drafted by Lecornu and his team, aimed at curbing excessive public spending and addressing a budget deficit projected at 5.4 percent of GDP for the current year. This strategy underscores the delicate balance Macron must maintain as he confronts wavering public support and growing isolation from centrist allies.
Calls for reform have echoed from various political corners, with Edouard Philippe, Macron’s first prime minister, openly suggesting that the president resign. Gabriel Attal, the head of Macron’s own party, added pressure by recommending an appointment from outside Macron’s circle to counter perceptions of an administration clinging to power.
Opposition reactions and the path ahead
While Lecornu may command respect for his earlier decision to step down, his close ties to Macron could jeopardize his second term as Prime Minister. Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing interior minister and leader of the conservative Les Républicains, stated that his party would oppose a government led by someone associated with Macron. Additionally, the far-left France Unbowed and the far-right National Rally have expressed intentions to swiftly oust Lecornu.
“Lecornu II” is “a bad joke, a democratic disgrace and a humiliation for the French people,” remarked National Rally President Jordan Bardella on X.
Macron’s decision to reappoint Lecornu followed a high-stakes meeting at the Elysée Palace, which included discussions with various political leaders, excluding representatives from France Unbowed and the National Rally. Following the talks, an anonymous adviser mentioned that Macron perceived a potential “path toward a compromise” that could appease a majority of lawmakers.
However, when questioned about how the new Prime Minister might succeed where predecessors had faltered, the adviser was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation. Attendees from the opposition left the meeting feeling perplexed and seeking clarity on the president’s forthcoming actions.
Marine Tondelier, leader of the French Greens party, expressed her disbelief, stating she was “dumbfounded” by the lack of direction. Boris Vallaud, leader of the Socialist group, urged Macron to take responsibility and outline the topics he was prepared to address.
Multiple sources indicated that Macron was willing to consider limited concessions regarding the controversial legislation that raised the retirement age two years ago. However, offers to defer the incremental change by a year were deemed inadequate by opposition leaders.
Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, warned that his party would “immediately” censure the government should there be “no change in course.” This ongoing political drama continues to unfold as the nation grapples with its governance challenges.