French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has tendered his resignation after less than a month in office, a surprising turn of events occurring just one day after he announced his cabinet appointments. The French presidency confirmed in an official statement that President Emmanuel Macron accepted Lecornu’s resignation promptly.
The swift departure of Lecornu has raised eyebrows and ignited conversations regarding the stability of the current French government. His selection of ministers faced widespread criticism, not only from opposition parties but also from allies across the political spectrum. A particularly contentious decision was his choice to reinstate Bruno Le Maire, a former finance minister, now tasked with overseeing the Defence Ministry—a move many viewed as controversial given Le Maire’s past financial policies.
In addition to Le Maire’s appointment, several key positions in Lecornu’s cabinet mirrored those of his predecessor, indicating continuity within certain aspects of the government. Conservative politician Bruno Retailleau retained his role as interior minister, responsible for policing and internal security. Jean-Noel Barrot remained at the helm of foreign affairs, while Gerald Darmanin continued as the Minister of Justice, suggesting little change in these critical areas of governance.
In an effort to bridge the considerable divides within the National Assembly, Lecornu had committed to pursuing a more collaborative approach. He expressed a desire to engage with legislators from both left and right, pledging not to invoke a controversial constitutional power previously used by his predecessors to push budgets through parliament without a direct vote. This strategy aimed to foster consensus in an increasingly polarized political landscape, yet ultimately contributed to a climate of instability that led to his abrupt resignation.
