French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, reappointed by President Emmanuel Macron amid persistent political turmoil, has warned that his term may be brief unless conditions improve. The reappointment comes just four days after Lecornu resigned, highlighting the intense political instability within France’s government. Lecornu’s first tenure ended in just 27 days, marking the shortest prime ministerial term in modern French history, as he resigned due to a lack of workable alliances in the National Assembly.
Lecornu, now returning to the role, acknowledged the difficulty of the current moment and emphasized that his continuation in office depended on retaining the necessary support to govern. In public statements, he called for an end to partisan gridlock, urging political parties to move beyond what he described as the ‘ridiculous spectacle’ of political infighting. He stressed the urgent need to pass a state and social security budget before year-end to address France’s widening fiscal deficit.
This second term presents significant challenges for Lecornu, who must navigate a hostile parliament. Major opposition blocs from both the left and right have vowed to vote against him, while key centrist and right-wing groups have refused to join his cabinet, offering only conditional legislative support. Lecornu has also signaled openness to debating controversial reforms, such as pension changes, provided the discussions remain realistic and focused on practical outcomes.
Despite his warning that he would leave if conditions were no longer met, Lecornu remains determined to address France’s fiscal challenges. His return to the position comes amid deep divisions in the National Assembly, where the lack of cohesive political alliances has made governing increasingly difficult. The pressure to pass critical legislation before year-end adds to the urgency of his current role, as the government faces mounting scrutiny over its ability to manage the country’s economic and social challenges.