Macron Reappoints Lecornu as Prime Minister Despite Calls for Change Amid France’s Political Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, just four days after accepting his resignation — a move that has deepened France’s ongoing political crisis and frustrated both allies and opposition parties hoping for new leadership.

“The President of the Republic has nominated Mr. Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the Elysee Palace announced.

Lecornu, 39, had resigned earlier in the week following months of political deadlock over austerity measures. His swift reinstatement signals Macron’s determination to maintain continuity despite mounting pressure to reset his government.

France has been locked in paralysis since snap elections last year resulted in a hung parliament, strengthening the far right and limiting Macron’s ability to pass reforms.

Following his reappointment, Lecornu said on X (formerly Twitter) that he accepted the role “out of duty,” adding:

“We must end the political crisis. I will do everything possible to give France a budget by the end of the year. Restoring public finances remains a priority for our future.”

Macron, facing what many describe as the most severe domestic crisis of his presidency since 2017, has yet to publicly address the nation.

Widespread Backlash

The reappointment drew sharp criticism across the political spectrum.
Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella dismissed the move as a “bad joke,” vowing to seek an immediate vote of no confidence against Lecornu’s new cabinet.

A spokesperson for the hard left described the decision as a defiant gesture — “two fingers to the French people.”

Meanwhile, the Socialist Party, seen as a potential swing group in parliament, warned it would oppose Lecornu’s government unless he agreed to suspend the controversial 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Lecornu’s two predecessors were both ousted in parliamentary votes amid fierce resistance to budget cuts, deepening the government’s instability.

Lecornu’s Agenda and Caution

A longtime Macron ally and former defence minister, Lecornu pledged to move quickly to present a revised 2026 budget by Monday, in hopes of meeting France’s fiscal deadlines.

He also warned that anyone joining his government must “set aside presidential ambitions” ahead of the 2027 elections — a clear signal aimed at curbing internal power struggles.

Despite hints of a cabinet reshuffle, details remain unclear, and political observers say Macron’s decision risks further alienating voters who view his leadership as increasingly disconnected.

Mounting Pressure on Macron

The crisis has even prompted dissent from within Macron’s camp. Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, now seen as a leading contender for the 2027 presidency, urged Macron earlier this week to “step aside once the budget is passed.”

Macron, however, has repeatedly insisted he will serve out his full term.

With Marine Le Pen barred from contesting the next presidential election after her corruption conviction, her protégé Jordan Bardella, 30, is emerging as the far-right’s likely candidate — positioning the National Rally closer than ever to power as Macron’s centrist bloc struggles to maintain control.

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