Lecornu Steps Down Amid Political Turmoil
France plunged into fresh political uncertainty on Monday as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned less than 24 hours after naming his new government and just weeks into his term. The move marks France’s fourth change of prime minister in a year, underscoring the country’s deepening political instability. President Emmanuel Macron accepted Lecornu’s resignation, the Élysée Palace confirmed in a statement.
A loyal ally of Macron, Lecornu cited an inability to build consensus as the reason for stepping down. “It would take little for it to work — by being more selfless for many, by knowing how to show humility. One must always put one’s country before one’s party,” he said in his resignation speech from the Hôtel de Matignon. Lecornu had succeeded François Bayrou with the task of navigating a divided parliament and steering France through a mounting debt crisis.
Political Reactions and Calls for Snap Elections
The resignation sent shockwaves through France’s political landscape. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen immediately seized on the moment, urging Macron to dissolve parliament and call for new elections. “We have reached the end of the road,” Le Pen said. “The only wise course of action is to return to the polls.” On the left, members of the France Unbowed movement called for Macron’s departure, while socialist, green, and communist leaders renewed discussions about rebuilding a unified coalition.
The abrupt departure also rattled investors. The CAC-40 index fell nearly 2% following the announcement, reflecting mounting concerns about France’s ability to maintain fiscal stability amid political chaos. Ministers who had been appointed only a day earlier suddenly found themselves as temporary caretakers, tasked only with managing daily operations until a new government is formed.
Criticism Over Cabinet Choices and Debt Crisis
Lecornu’s short-lived administration had faced criticism from across the political spectrum. His decision to appoint former Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire as defense minister drew sharp rebukes, with opponents pointing to France’s soaring deficit during Le Maire’s previous tenure. “I despair of this circus,” Ecology Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher wrote on X following the announcement.
At the heart of Lecornu’s challenge was France’s growing fiscal burden. Public debt reached €3.346 trillion ($3.9 trillion) in the first quarter of 2025 — roughly 114% of GDP — making debt servicing one of the government’s largest expenses at about 7% of total spending. Lecornu had pledged to pass a balanced budget through negotiation rather than by invoking a constitutional mechanism that allows the executive to bypass parliamentary approval.
Macron Faces Renewed Pressure to Regain Stability
Macron’s government has struggled to function effectively since last year’s snap elections, which left France with a deeply fragmented National Assembly. The far right and far left together control more than 320 seats, while Macron’s centrist coalition and allied conservatives hold just 210. The president’s ability to govern now depends on building fragile alliances in a divided legislature.
Lecornu had attempted to reach across party lines and meet with trade unions to forge consensus, but his efforts quickly faltered. His resignation leaves Macron with few easy options as the country faces a mounting debt crisis, political fragmentation, and growing public frustration. With France’s budget deadline looming and investor confidence shaken, the president must now find a new leader capable of restoring stability — and convincing both lawmakers and the public that the government can still govern effectively.