After just four days out of office, Sébastien Lecornu has been reappointed as France’s prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron, ending a turbulent week that saw political uncertainty, budget pressures, and party tensions erupt across the country.
A Dramatic U-Turn
Lecornu resigned only 26 days into his term last Monday, triggering a scramble in Paris. But on Friday night, Macron announced his surprise return after meeting with party leaders at the Élysée—excluding the far right and far left.
Just two days before, Lecornu had said on French TV he was done with the job and not seeking a return. Now, he says he accepted the role “out of duty” and is tasked with forming a new government immediately.
Budget Deadline Looms
Lecornu has until Monday to submit France’s 2025 budget to parliament. He has been granted “carte blanche” by Macron to assemble his own team, even though it’s unclear if any coalition will back him.
France faces massive financial strain:
- Public debt: ~114% of GDP
- Budget deficit: 5.4% of GDP this year
He warned that no one in government will be allowed to avoid taking responsibility for fixing the finances.
A Weak President, A Divided Parliament
Macron is governing without a parliamentary majority. His approval rating has sunk to 14%, its lowest ever. Lecornu will face an immediate vote of confidence, and the National Assembly is sharply divided.
The far-right National Rally (RN), whose leader Marine Le Pen was excluded from talks, has already vowed to bring a no-confidence motion. RN boss Jordan Bardella called Lecornu’s return a “bad joke”, accusing Macron of being “isolated and disconnected.”
Coalition Building Nightmare
Lecornu has already spoken with potential allies, but divisions run deep:
- Republicans (centre-right): Split. Leader Bruno Retailleau refuses to participate.
- Centrists: Not enough numbers on their own.
- Left-wing parties: Demanding major concessions or a left-leaning PM.
To woo the left, Macron is even considering a delay to parts of the controversial pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64—risking backlash from centrists who fought for it.
Green and Socialist leaders say they see no reason to support Lecornu and are preparing their own no-confidence efforts.
Economic Warnings
France’s central bank chief, François Villeroy de Galhau, says the political mess has already shaved 0.2% off expected growth. He has urged leaders to form coalitions and stop the instability.
Growth is forecast at 0.7%, but could dip further if Lecornu can’t form a working government.
What Happens If He Fails?
If Lecornu cannot form a government—or loses the confidence vote—France could plunge into even deeper political turmoil, risking:
- Another resignation
- A blocked budget
- A snap election
- Fresh economic fallout
For now, he says he will “do everything to succeed,” but the countdown has already started.
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