Macron’s surprise move reappoints Lecornu as prime minister
In a dramatic turnaround, President Emmanuel Macron has asked Sébastien Lecornu to return as France’s prime minister just four days after Lecornu announced he would step away from the post. The decision was announced late on Friday, following a meeting at the Élysée Palace with leaders from most parties, excluding the far right and far left. The return of Lecornu, a trusted ally of Macron, immediately reinserted him into a role that will require urgent action and delicate negotiation.
What the appointment means for the government’s timetable
Macron’s entourage said Lecornu has been given “carte blanche” to form a government and to act swiftly to present next year’s budget to parliament. Lecornu, who had previously stated that his mission was over, accepted the task with a sense of duty in a public statement shared on X. The challenge is immense: France faces a high public debt approaching 114% of GDP and a projected budget deficit around 5.4% of GDP this year. With only about 18 months left in Macron’s term, the prime minister will need to assemble a credible team quickly and secure a parliamentary path for key reforms.
Parliamentary hurdles and party dynamics
France’s political landscape remains fragmented. Macron does not command a majority in the National Assembly, and his popularity has fallen sharply, complicating efforts to pass difficult measures. Lecornu must navigate a parliament where centrist allies are split, conservatives have internal divisions, and the far left and far right were notably absent from the Élysée talks. The question now is whether a coalition or cross-party support can be forged to back the budget and reforms.
Left-right calculations and reform strategy
Reports indicate Macron’s team is signaling flexibility on pension reforms to court left-wing support. Some left-wing leaders have expressed skepticism about any government led by a centrist prime minister, while others warned they would not back a confidence vote without visible concessions. Lecornu’s approach will likely involve balancing fiscal responsibility with social protections, aiming to restore credibility to France’s finances while avoiding a protracted confrontation with opposition factions.
Immediate priorities for Lecornu
The first and most urgent task is presenting next year’s budget to parliament. This requires consolidating a plan to reduce deficits and manage debt in a way that can gain some degree of cross-party acceptance. Lecornu will also need to manage the ministerial lineup, secure votes of confidence, and stave off political instability that could derail reform timelines. Given the current climate, even supporters acknowledge the mission will demand compromises and patience from leaders across the spectrum.
Public sentiment and leadership questions
Macron’s leadership is under intense scrutiny as the presidency seeks stability. A recent Elabe poll showed a steep drop in Macron’s approval ratings, increasing pressure on Lecornu to demonstrate urgency and competence. The reappointment signals Macron’s preference for a familiar, trusted hand to steer a fragile government through the next crucial months, even as critics worry about governance without a strong majority.
Looking ahead
Whether Lecornu can form a durable government remains uncertain. If he can assemble a workable cabinet and secure a confidence vote, France could begin the difficult work of implementing a budget and reforms that have sparked intense political debate. The coming weeks will reveal whether this reappointment can deliver stability or whether new political contests lie ahead.
