French prime minister resigns just one month after appointment
French president Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of prime minister Sébastien Lecornu, less than a month after taking office. Lecornu, who was only sworn in as prime minister on 10 September, said that “the conditions to remain prime minister were no longer met.”
The resignation follows criticism over the composition of Lecornu's cabinet, which was announced on Sunday, mostly consisting of ministers from the previous governments. Lecornu had been scheduled to deliver his general policy address to the National Assembly on Tuesday.
“My decision not to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution, and to return power to Parliament, has not led to the realisation that things can be done differently,” the former prime minister said in a statement on Monday
Article 49.3 allows the government to push legislation through the National Assembly without a vote, which was used to secure budget approvals during Macron's current term. Lecornu had pledged to avoid using it, aiming instead to foster broader parliamentary consensus.
That did not come to pass. Lecornu accused other parties of political maneouvering with the 2027 elections in sight. "The composition of the government has led to the awakening of some party political ambitions, especially with a view to the presidential elections," he said on Monday.
Political crisis deepens
Lecornu was the fifth prime minister since the start of Macron's term in 2022. His departure leaves the French president facing renewed pressure to restore confidence ahead of crucial budget debates in the coming weeks. France has a budget deficit of over 5 per cent of GDP, the highest in the EU.
With Lecornu's resignation, the French political crisis deepens further. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right Rassemblement National, called on Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and announce new elections.
PHOTO © Stephane Mahe / POOL / AFP
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