France plunged into fresh political turmoil as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned just hours after presenting his new cabinet. The surprise exit, coming less than a month into his role, marks another episode in the country’s ongoing leadership instability.
The presidency confirmed the resignation on Monday, noting Lecornu had replaced François Bayrou, becoming France’s fourth prime minister in under a year — a stark sign of growing political tension.
Lecornu Calls for Humility and National Focus
In his farewell speech, Lecornu blamed the collapse on competing ambitions within the government. He urged French politicians to “put the nation above personal gain” and called for humility and unity.
Standing outside Paris’s Hôtel Matignon, he said, “France can move forward if leaders prioritize the collective good over ego. The nation must always come first.”
Opposition Parties React Swiftly
The opposition quickly capitalized on the chaos. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally demanded new legislative elections, accusing President Emmanuel Macron of clinging to power despite clear political deadlock.
“The country has reached a standstill,” Le Pen said. “Let the people decide.”
The far-left France Unbowed party also called for Macron’s resignation, saying the public’s frustration has reached a breaking point.
Market Anxiety and Cabinet Confusion
News of Lecornu’s resignation immediately unsettled investors. France’s CAC-40 index fell nearly 2% on Monday morning as markets digested the political uncertainty.
Several ministers found themselves in limbo—appointed only hours before Lecornu’s exit, yet now serving in temporary roles until a new government forms.
Environment minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher expressed anger on social media, calling the situation “an absurd spectacle.”
Critics also targeted Lecornu’s cabinet for reinstating former finance chief Bruno Le Maire as defense minister, citing his past role in rising national debt.
Economic Strains Deepen the Crisis
Lecornu’s main challenge had been managing France’s record debt levels. By early 2025, national debt hit €3.3 trillion ($3.9 trillion) — about 114% of GDP. Debt repayments now consume 7% of annual spending, leaving little room for new reforms.
Key figures such as Bruno Retailleau (interior), Jean-Noël Barrot (foreign affairs), and Gérald Darmanin (justice) kept their positions.
Root Causes of the Political Breakdown
The current instability stems from Macron’s decision to call early parliamentary elections last year. The move resulted in a fragmented National Assembly, where far-right and far-left groups now dominate over centrist coalitions.
Lecornu had vowed to bridge divides through open dialogue rather than emergency decrees. He sought cooperation from labor unions and opposition factions on critical budget issues — an effort that ultimately collapsed.
What’s Next for France?
Lecornu’s resignation leaves France searching for its fifth prime minister in a year. As Macron scrambles to restore confidence, both political and financial pressures continue to mount.
The next government faces a difficult task: uniting a divided parliament while stabilizing Europe’s second-largest economy.
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