In a surprising turn of events, President Emmanuel Macron has asked Sébastien Lecornu to return as the Prime Minister of France, just four days after he resigned from the position. This unexpected decision has unfolded amidst a week filled with high drama and significant political instability. The announcement came late on Friday, following a meeting at the Élysée Palace with leaders from all major political parties, with the notable exception of the far-right and far-left leaders.
Lecornu's reappointment has taken many by surprise, especially since he stated on national television only two days prior that he was not seeking to regain the role and believed his mission was complete. His return to the premiership brings considerable uncertainty, particularly regarding his ability to form a stable government. He faces an urgent deadline on Monday to present next year's budget to parliament, a task that will require swift action and decisive leadership.
The Élysée has indicated that President Macron has given Lecornu the responsibility of forming a government, with an implied mandate to act independently. In a detailed statement shared on X, Lecornu expressed his commitment to fulfill the mission entrusted to him by the president, focusing on providing France with a budget by year-end and addressing the daily challenges faced by citizens.
Lecornu's return comes at a time of significant challenges, as political divisions over strategies to reduce France's national debt and budget deficit have led to the fall of two out of the last three prime ministers within the past year. France's public debt was reported to be nearly 114% of its economic output (GDP) earlier this year, ranking as the third highest in the eurozone, while this year's budget deficit is projected to reach 5.4% of GDP. Lecornu emphasized that no one can ignore the necessity of restoring France’s public finances.
With only 18 months left in Macron's presidency, Lecornu warned that anyone joining his government would need to set aside their presidential ambitions. Adding to the complexity of his task, he will face a vote of confidence in the National Assembly, where Macron currently lacks a majority to support his agenda. Recent polling data from Elabe indicates that the president's popularity has plummeted to a record low of 14%.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, criticized Lecornu's reappointment, suggesting it reflects a president who is increasingly isolated and disconnected. Bardella announced that his party would pursue a vote of no confidence against what he described as a "doomed coalition," motivated solely by the fear of an election.
Despite the challenges, Lecornu is not entirely without support. He has already engaged in discussions with various parties that might ally with him to form a government. However, the centrist parties alone lack the numbers needed for a majority, and there are notable divisions within the conservative Republicans, who have been crucial in supporting Macron’s administrations since he lost his parliamentary majority last year. As a result, Lecornu may need to reach out to left-wing parties for potential backing.
In a bid to attract support from the left, Macron's team has suggested a delay in implementing some of the contentious pension reforms passed in 2023, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. However, left-wing leaders have expressed disappointment, with many hoping for a prime minister from their ranks. Olivier Faure of the Socialists stated that without guarantees, they would not support Lecornu in a vote of confidence. Meanwhile, Fabien Roussel of the Communists emphasized the need for tangible changes, while Greens leader Marine Tondelier criticized Macron for offering little to the left, predicting that the situation would culminate in further discord.
As Sébastien Lecornu takes on the mantle of Prime Minister once again, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on his administration and the potential for stability in a politically fractured France.
