France Plunged Into Political Turmoil as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu Resigns Hours After Announcing New Cabinet
France has been thrown deeper into political crisis after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu abruptly resigned on Monday, just hours after unveiling his new cabinet. The shock resignation has left President Emmanuel Macron’s government in chaos, intensifying the political uncertainty that has gripped the country since the 2024 snap elections.
Lecornu, one of Macron’s closest allies, held the post for less than four weeks — making him the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of France’s Fifth Republic. His sudden departure marks the latest episode in a series of political setbacks for the embattled president, whose administration has struggled to maintain stability amid deep parliamentary divisions and growing public discontent.
A Short-Lived Government in a Deepening Crisis
Lecornu was Macron’s fifth prime minister in less than two years, a reflection of the chronic instability that has defined French politics in recent times. The nation has been mired in gridlock since Macron’s 2024 snap elections, which failed to produce an absolute majority in parliament. With fragile coalitions and mounting ideological divides, governing has become an uphill battle.
Barely half a day after announcing his new cabinet — which largely preserved the same faces from Macron’s earlier governments — Lecornu faced a wave of political backlash from across the spectrum. Critics from both the right and left accused him of ignoring the demand for real political renewal, calling his appointments a continuation of “Macronism” rather than a break from it.
Backlash From Allies and Opponents Alike
Among the first to voice outrage was Bruno Retailleau, leader of the center-right Republicans and former Interior Minister in Lecornu’s cabinet. Retailleau took to X (formerly Twitter) late Sunday, writing, “The composition of the government does not reflect the promised break.” He criticized Lecornu for stacking the cabinet with Macron loyalists despite promises to bring fresh political direction.
Indeed, out of the 15 appointed ministers, 10 were members of Macron’s centrist party, exceeding even the proportion seen when Macron first took power in 2017. The absence of representation from both the left-wing and far-right blocs further fueled accusations that the administration remained detached from France’s shifting political landscape.
Far-Right and Left-Wing Condemnations
The far-right National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, was quick to denounce the government as illegitimate and directionless. Bardella accused Macron of pulling the strings behind the scenes, claiming that Lecornu was merely a figurehead with “no margin of maneuver.” He demanded the dissolution of parliament, calling for a new general election to restore democratic legitimacy.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the French Socialist Party also condemned the collapse of yet another Macron-backed government. Party spokesperson Arthur Delaporte posted Monday morning: “This ephemeral government only shows one thing — Macronism plunges the country once again into chaos.”
Mounting Pressure on Macron
With Lecornu’s resignation, analysts say President Macron faces a defining moment. Political scientist Antoine Bristielle told CNN that the president is now left with two likely options: either dissolve the National Assembly and call new elections, or resign himself, triggering an early presidential vote. “It seems highly probable that he will choose the former,” Bristielle added.
The resignation is also a personal blow to Macron’s credibility. Despite repeated promises of reform and renewal, his government continues to falter under internal pressure, economic challenges, and eroding public trust.
Controversial Appointments and Economic Jitters
Much of the immediate backlash stemmed from Lecornu’s controversial cabinet selections, particularly the appointment of Bruno Le Maire, the former Finance Minister, to the role of Defense Minister. Le Maire had been heavily criticized for overseeing a significant rise in France’s national deficit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The political instability quickly rattled financial markets. The Paris stock exchange dropped 1.7% when markets opened on Monday morning, reflecting investor anxiety about France’s budgetary and fiscal outlook. Economists warned that the turmoil could delay key legislative processes, including approval of the 2025 national budget, which was scheduled for ministerial review on Tuesday.
A Government Without Direction
The Lecornu resignation has amplified growing fears that France is entering a prolonged period of political paralysis. With no clear successor named, decision-making has ground to a halt, and crucial policy deadlines — including those related to defense, economic reform, and immigration — now hang in the balance.
Observers note that Lecornu’s government, though short-lived, underscores Macron’s deepening struggle to unite France’s fractured political factions. His centrist coalition, once seen as a symbol of balance between left and right, now faces rejection from both sides.
A Symbol of France’s Political Fatigue
Lecornu’s departure may be swift, but its implications are far-reaching. It symbolizes the public fatigue with constant political reshuffling and the growing perception that Macron’s leadership lacks direction. The president’s approval ratings have hit historic lows, with polls showing widespread frustration over inflation, immigration policy, and economic inequality.
In the coming days, Macron will likely appoint a caretaker government while weighing the political cost of calling another election. However, without a unifying vision or parliamentary majority, France risks drifting deeper into instability, with its leaders consumed by political infighting rather than the urgent issues facing the nation.
Conclusion
Sebastien Lecornu’s resignation marks another blow to France’s fragile political order. In less than a month, his government crumbled under pressure, leaving President Emmanuel Macron to face one of the toughest challenges of his presidency. As France’s economy wavers and its political divisions deepen, the question now is whether Macron can restore stability — or whether his government’s collapse will mark the beginning of a new political era in French history.