France's new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigns
France has been thrust into fresh political uncertainty after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu tendered his resignation only weeks into the job, becoming the fifth head of government to quit under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership in just two years.
The Élysée Palace confirmed on Monday that Macron had accepted the resignation of his long-time ally, who previously served as defence minister. The announcement came less than 24 hours after Lecornu unveiled his new cabinet lineup, which had already drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Both opposition figures and some members within Macron’s own centrist alliance had expressed frustration over the appointments, calling them divisive and ill-suited to tackling France’s mounting economic and social challenges.
Lecornu’s resignation meant that the new cabinet was unable to hold its first scheduled meeting on Monday afternoon, leaving the government in limbo at a time when Macron is facing mounting pressure at home and abroad.
Observers say the turmoil reflects deeper instability within Macron’s administration. Since winning re-election in 2022, the French president has struggled to maintain a working majority in parliament, forcing him to rely on fragile alliances to pass legislation. A succession of resignations at the top has further weakened his authority, with critics accusing him of concentrating too much power in the presidency and sidelining his prime ministers.
Lecornu, considered a loyal Macron confidant, was appointed to bring stability after weeks of political wrangling. His abrupt departure, however, is likely to intensify speculation about Macron’s next move and the possibility of a wider government reshuffle. Analysts warn that the frequent changes in leadership risk eroding public confidence in the president’s ability to govern effectively, especially as France grapples with inflation, energy concerns, and simmering discontent over pension and labor reforms.
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