French President Emmanuel Macron faces renewed political turmoil as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigns after unveiling his new cabinet.
France has plunged deeper into political uncertainty as President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday, just hours after Lecornu unveiled his new cabinet.
The surprise resignation, confirmed by the Elysée Palace, comes amid widespread criticism over Macron’s decision to retain most ministers from his previous administration.
Cabinet Criticism Triggers Resignation
Lecornu, appointed Prime Minister last month after serving as Defence Minister, faced immediate backlash after announcing a largely unchanged cabinet lineup late Sunday.
The opposition condemned the reshuffle as a sign of stagnation rather than renewal, accusing Macron of ignoring calls for broader political inclusion.
Lecornu’s short tenure was dominated by efforts to secure parliamentary approval for a controversial austerity budget, a challenge made harder by a fractured National Assembly.
France’s Growing Fiscal Strain
France’s debt-to-GDP ratio is now the third highest in the EU, trailing only Greece and Italy, and nearly double the 60% limit permitted under EU rules.
Lecornu had pledged to let lawmakers vote on the 2026 budget, breaking from the government’s past practice of bypassing parliamentary approval through constitutional powers — a move that had angered the opposition.
Macron Faces Renewed Leadership Crisis
The latest resignation highlights the deep political deadlock that has plagued France since Macron’s gamble on snap parliamentary elections last year backfired, leaving his centrist alliance without a majority.
Political analysts say the crisis exposes Macron’s shrinking influence and his struggle to build consensus in a divided parliament.
The Elysée is yet to announce Lecornu’s replacement, but the development adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding France’s economic and political stability.
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