Macron Taps Lecornu as Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil
PARIS — In a bold move, President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu, the outgoing defense minister, as the new prime minister. Lecornu faces the daunting challenge of uniting a divided parliament and passing the 2026 budget amidst growing unrest in the country.
As the former Prime Minister François Bayrou resigned on Monday, Macron accepted his departure. Bayrou’s failure to deliver on his promise to address France’s growing deficit led to his ouster after just nine months in office.
Prior to the confidence vote, Bayrou cautioned lawmakers that removing him would not resolve the nation’s issues. He emphasized that the reality of rising expenses and mounting debt would persist regardless of the government’s composition.
Lecornu must now navigate the financial crisis in France while preparing for widespread protests. Demonstrations and roadblocks are planned for Wednesday, followed by a major union-led strike on September 18.
The French presidency announced that Macron has tasked Lecornu with engaging political factions in Parliament to pass a national budget and establish crucial agreements for future decisions.
The current chaos can be traced back to Macron’s decision to call for a snap election in response to the far-right party’s success in the 2024 European elections. This move backfired, resulting in a divided National Assembly and a governance crisis.
Macron’s election in 2017 disrupted the longstanding political order in France, where two major parties had traditionally alternated in power. With Macron’s centrist platform, he attracted voters from both extremes, leading to a fractured political landscape.
Lecornu, known for his political resilience, is the only minister to have served continuously since Macron’s presidency began. His appointment is seen as an attempt to forge an alliance with the Socialists to pass the budget, a strategy that may face challenges.
As France grapples with economic uncertainty, investors are on edge. Rising yields on French bonds and a potential downgrade of the country’s credit rating have further exacerbated the situation.
Amidst the turmoil, public trust in the government has plummeted, leading to widespread anger and protests. The far left has called for demonstrations against austerity, signaling growing unrest in the country.
Dominique Moïsi, a senior analyst, described the current deadlock in France as unprecedented in the Fifth Republic’s history. The country is at a crossroads, with a regime change looming on the horizon.
