October 11, 2025

In a political twist no one expected, French President Emmanuel Macron reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister only four days after his resignation. Many hoped Macron would bring a fresh face to break the months-long maze over France's tricky austerity budget. But the 39-year-old Lecornu, loyal to Macron and once Defence Minister, got the nod again. The Elysee Palace announced, "The president of the republic has nominated Mr Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister and has tasked him with forming a government." Since last year’s snap elections, France has been stuck in a political deadlock. Macron aimed for a stronger hold but ended with a hung parliament and the far right gaining more seats. Lecornu took to the social platform X to say he accepted his mission "out of duty." He said, "We must end the political crisis," and promised to do everything possible to secure a government budget by the year’s end. Restoring public finances, he emphasized, was "a priority for our future." However, Lecornu’s return didn’t sit well with many. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, called the move a "bad joke" and vowed to push for a vote against the new cabinet immediately. A spokesman for the hard left slammed Lecornu's comeback as a huge "two fingers to the French people." The Socialist party, holding the balance in parliament, said they had "no deal" with him and threatened to topple the government if it did not pause the recent pension reform raising retirement age from 62 to 64. Lecornu himself admitted that those joining his government "must commit to setting aside presidential ambitions" ahead of the 2027 elections. Critics argue his suggested minister list barely changes from the past, though he hinted at including more technocrats to freshen things up. The political crisis deepened when former Premier Edouard Philippe, eyeing the next presidential race, said Macron should quit after the budget passes. However, Macron remains firm to stay through his term. Meanwhile, the far-right National Rally sees a golden chance to rise by 2027, especially as Marine Le Pen is banned from running. Jordan Bardella, her young lieutenant, might be the new face leading their challenge. The coming months promise fiery battles as France fights to find stable ground.

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Tags: Sebastien lecornu, Emmanuel macron, French politics, Budget crisis, French parliament, National rally,