In a stunning political reversal, French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, just days after accepting his resignation amid mounting political instability.
The Élysée Palace confirmed Friday that Macron had formally named Lecornu to resume his post and form a new government.
“The president of the republic has named Mr. Sébastien Lecornu prime minister and has charged him with forming a government,” the statement read.
Lecornu’s reinstatement followed a chaotic week in French politics that saw him resign less than 24 hours after announcing his first cabinet after his interior minister publicly criticized the appointments.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lecornu said France must quickly restore stability:
“We must put an end to this political crisis that is exasperating the French people and to this instability that is detrimental to France’s image and its interests.”
Backlash from political rivals
Macron’s decision was met with outrage across the political spectrum.
Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally, called the reappointment
“a bad joke, a democratic disgrace, and a humiliation for the French people.
Former presidential contender Marine Le Pen urged lawmakers to reject Lecornu’s new government and call for fresh elections.
On the far-left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed mocked the president, saying: “Macron can do nothing other than Macron.”
A deal to calm the crisis
Lecornu signaled a compromise with opposition parties to reduce political tension. He said key issues raised during consultations would now be open to parliamentary debate, a shift from Macron’s recent practice of pushing legislation through the National Assembly without a vote.
He also insisted that members of his new cabinet must abandon their presidential ambitions for 2027.
“All ambitions are legitimate and useful, but those who join the Government must commit to disengaging themselves from the presidential ambitions for 2027,” Lecornu wrote on X.
The rule could sideline figures like Bruno Retailleau and other high-profile party leaders expected to run in 2027.
Political uncertainty persists
Lecornu’s earlier cabinet was criticized for being filled with Macron loyalists despite promises of renewal. Many now await his next list of ministers to see if he delivers a broader, more inclusive government.
The ongoing struggle to form a stable government and pass a budget has drawn comparisons to Italy’s political instability, sparking concerns about France’s ability to manage its rising debt and sustain economic growth.
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