France Appoints Lecornu as Prime Minister Amid Political and Economic Turmoil
France has appointed Sebastien Lecornu as its new prime minister following the collapse of the previous government’s budget plan. Lecornu, a former defense minister and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, faces the challenge of passing a budget in a deeply divided parliament and managing multiple international crises.
Lecornu was appointed in September after his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly during a bid to secure support for an austerity plan aimed at curbing rising debt. Lecornu is the seventh prime minister to serve under Macron. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot will retain his position, continuing France’s support for Ukraine and recent recognition of Palestinian statehood to pressure Israel on the Gaza conflict.
Former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire will take over as defense chief, while economist and banker Roland Lescure will serve as finance minister. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, known for their hardline stances on immigration and security, will remain in their positions. Lecornu has pledged to find compromises with the opposition to pass the budget before the end of the year without invoking the controversial Article 49.3 of the Constitution.
However, political opposition, including Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party and Jean-Luc Melenchon’s France Unbowed, have already criticized the new cabinet and threatened to submit a no-confidence motion against Lecornu next week. The ministers will have to find compromises with the opposition, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said.
French President Emmanuel Macron has committed to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine and considering expanding France’s nuclear umbrella to cover other European countries. The new government faces significant challenges as it navigates a divided parliament and external pressures, with the need to address both domestic and international concerns while maintaining economic stability.
As Lecornu takes on his new role, the French government will have to balance the demands of different political factions, manage ongoing international commitments, and ensure the passage of critical legislation such as the national budget. The success of this government will depend on its ability to navigate these complex challenges and maintain public support amidst growing political tensions.