French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Resigns After Short Tenure

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned on Monday, just a day after announcing his government and less than a month into his tenure. The resignation was confirmed by the French presidency, which stated that President Emmanuel Macron has accepted Lecornu’s departure from office.

Lecornu faced criticism from various political factions regarding his cabinet selections, particularly for reinstating former finance minister Bruno Le Maire to lead the Ministry of Defence. Other significant roles remained unchanged from the previous government. Conservative Bruno Retailleau continues as interior minister, overseeing policing and internal security, while Jean-Noël Barrot retains his position as foreign minister. Gérald Darmanin remains in charge of the justice ministry.

Challenges of a Divided Assembly

During his brief time in office, Lecornu aimed to foster consensus in the deeply fractured National Assembly. He declared that he would not utilize a special constitutional power that previous leaders employed to force budget approvals through parliament without a vote. Instead, Lecornu expressed his intention to seek compromise with lawmakers across the political spectrum.

His resignation marks a significant shift in the French political landscape, reflecting the challenges faced by leaders in navigating a divided assembly. The rapid turnover raises questions about the direction of Macron’s government and its ability to implement policies amid ongoing political tensions.

The future of the French government now hangs in the balance as Macron seeks to appoint a successor who can effectively manage the complex dynamics of the National Assembly.