Macron’s surprise move: Lecornu back as prime minister
President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as France’s prime minister just four days after Lecornu stepped down, signaling a rapid shift in a moment of political turmoil. The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron had asked Lecornu to return and form a government, a decision announced after the president hosted a round of talks with the nation’s main political parties, excluding the far left and far right leadership. Lecornu’s reentry into the post comes as a shock, given his public statements two days earlier that he was not pursuing the job and that his mission had ended.
The move sets up a tense and uncertain path ahead, as Lecornu faces the immediate task of presenting next year’s budget before parliament while navigating a fractured National Assembly and a newly polarized political landscape.
What Lecornu must tackle: debt, deficit, and the budget
France’s public debt has climbed to around 114% of GDP, the third-highest level in the eurozone, with a projected budget deficit of approximately 5.4% of GDP for the current year. The new prime minister inherits an economy needing structural reform, disciplined spending, and a credible plan to reassure markets and voters alike. Lecornu has stated that restoring public finances is non-negotiable and that anyone joining his government must be prepared to delay personal presidential ambitions to focus on the national interest.
With the budget deadline looming, Lecornu’s early days in office will be defined by how swiftly he can align coalition partners and secure enough support in the Assembly to pass measures. Analysts say that, with Macron’s party lacking a majority, the government’s stability will depend on pragmatic partnerships with centrist and, potentially, left-leaning voices.
Political dynamics: potential paths to a working majority
The political terrain in France remains deeply fragmented. Centrist legislators alone cannot form a government, and there are internal divisions within the Republicans as well as significant pressure from the left and greens. Lecornu’s challenge will be to broker a coalition that can sustain a full budget cycle and push through reforms, including the highly controversial pension reform from 2023 that raised the retirement age to 64.
Macron’s aides have signaled openness to adjusting the pension reform in a bid to win cross-party backing, a move that could appeal to left-wing groups without alienating centrists. Olivier Faure of the Socialist Party and Fabien Roussel of the Communist Party each indicated reservations about backing a government that did not commit to stronger leftist concessions. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, however, signaled that it could vote against a government supported only by Macron’s allies, complicating the prospects for a stable coalition.
The right, the left, and the long view
Jordan Bardella, head of the far-right National Rally, criticized Lecornu’s appointment as a sign that Macron remains isolated and out of touch with the political center. Bardella warned of a no-confidence vote should the coalition fail to meet the parliament’s expectations. In the meantime, some left-wing leaders argued that any government would require major concessions to satisfy voters seeking real change, not merely adjustments to the status quo.
Looking ahead: legitimacy, timing, and a new mandate
Lecornu’s public stance emphasizes duty and responsibility—an appeal to lawmakers and citizens alike as France confronts acute fiscal pressures and social expectations. The next weeks will determine whether Lecornu can translate political capital into a governing program that can pass in a divided Assembly.
With 18 months remaining in Macron’s presidency, the window for delivering tangible results is narrow. If Lecornu can shepherd a workable budget and demonstrate practical reforms, he could stabilize a presidency currently grappling with low popularity and rising political risk. Conversely, a fragile coalition could accelerate fresh elections, reshaping the country’s political dynamics in the near term.
Conclusion
Macron’s reappointment of Lecornu is a high-stakes gamble aimed at delivering governance amid debt pressures and a wary electorate. The coming days will reveal whether Lecornu’s leadership can translate urgency into durable policy changes, or whether France will continue to drift along a path of political volatility.
