France’s political stalemate deepens as Lecornu returns as prime minister
French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, just days after Lecornu’s abrupt resignation ended his first brief tenure. The move, announced with the aim of unblocking a deeply divided parliament, signals Macron’s determination to push through the 2026 budget amid a volatile political landscape that has unsettled markets and the public alike.
The gamble: Lecornu’s second stint and the race to the 2026 budget
Lecornu, a loyalist within Macron’s camp, accepted the new assignment “out of duty” and pledged to deliver a budget for 2026 by the end of the week. In a social media post, he said he would also address “the daily life issues of our fellow citizens” and stressed the necessity of ending a political crisis that has eroded public trust and France’s global image.
Macron’s strategy centers on assembling enough support from a fractured National Assembly to pass a budget and stabilize governance ahead of 2027, when Macron’s term nears its end. Lecornu’s precondition for the job includes candidates renouncing personal ambitions for a future presidency, a move designed to keep the cabinet focused on governance rather than power struggles in a fragile minority government.
Reactions from France’s political spectrum
The immediate reaction from the far right and far left was sharp and hostile. Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, criticized the move as a “democratic disgrace” and a “humiliation for the French people.” Left-wing groups quickly signaled that another collapsed government could intensify calls for snap elections, a scenario that could tilt the balance toward the far right.
Meanwhile, there was no immediate public reaction from the leadership of the Socialist Party or The Republicans, both of whom are essential to Lecornu’s ability to pass a budget. The absence of a broad, unified parliamentary coalition has been a recurring theme as France navigates a hung parliament caused by Macron’s decision to hold a legislative election last year.
What Lecornu must deliver and the political risks involved
Central to Lecornu’s mission is delivering a 2026 budget by the end of the week, a task complicated by competing demands inside a coalition-oriented parliament. Leftist factions have pressed for repealing Macron’s 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age, while conservative forces demand fiscal measures aligned with their own priorities. Bridging these conflicting demands will be the core challenge of Lecornu’s second tenure.
France’s central bank chief, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, warned that political uncertainty translates into economic cost. He estimated that the current fragility could shave about 0.2 percentage points off GDP, underscoring the stakes of a timely and credible budget. Macron’s aides described Lecornu’s appointment as granting him “carte blanche” to negotiate a cabinet and budget, signaling room for compromise but also exposing Lecornu to intense pressure from all sides.
The pension reform issue and the trajectory ahead
A central political fault line remains the pension reform, with leftist parties wanting to roll back the reform that lifted the retirement age, while fiscal conservatives want to maintain or reform the policy in a way that satisfies budgetary constraints. Macron’s team suggested delaying the retirement age by one year to 64 by 2028 as a concession, yet green party leaders argued this move is insufficient to quell the broader demands for reform and renewal.
The coming days will reveal whether Lecornu can assemble a workable coalition to pass a roll-over budget, or whether France will face fresh elections. A long, drawn-out budget process risks eroding confidence among citizens and investors, complicating Macron’s broader efforts to stabilize the country’s economy and political system.
Looking ahead
As Lecornu assumes the role again, the focus shifts to the 2026 budget timetable, coalition dynamics, and the pace of pension reform discussions. The outcome will influence not only France’s immediate fiscal health but also Macron’s grip on leadership as he navigates a polarized political arena.
