In a surprising turn of events, Sébastien Lecornu, who was appointed as France's Prime Minister just three and a half weeks ago, has faced a swift and humiliating downfall. Initially heralded as President Emmanuel Macron's last hope to stabilize the French political landscape, Lecornu's short-lived government has become a significant embarrassment, surpassing even that of his two predecessors.
At just 39 years old, Lecornu was seen as a presidential protégé—loyal, modest, and seemingly capable of bridging gaps between the fractious political parties in France. His appointment was framed as a strategic maneuver by Macron, intended to facilitate discreet negotiations and avert a political crisis. However, the reality has proven far less optimistic. Lecornu’s government was officially announced on a late Sunday afternoon, and shockingly, by Monday morning, it had already collapsed.
The catalyst for this calamitous downfall can be traced to the conservative Republicans party (LR) and its leader, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. With around 40 members of parliament, the LR was positioned as a pivotal component of the centre-right alliance that is attempting to govern France. Retailleau had indicated his willingness to remain in Lecornu's cabinet, yet this sentiment quickly shifted. Within just an hour of the cabinet announcement, he took to social media to reveal that LR may opt out of the coalition altogether.
The controversy erupted primarily over Lecornu's appointment of former finance minister Bruno Le Maire as his choice for defense—a decision that infuriated LR leaders. Le Maire, a former colleague of Retailleau’s, is viewed as a traitor by the LR for his alliance with Macron. Additionally, they hold him accountable for the spiraling national debt during his tenure as finance minister. Retailleau claimed he was unaware of Le Maire's nomination until he saw it on television, leading to accusations that Lecornu had intentionally concealed this choice from him.
In a surprising twist at the end of Monday, Le Maire announced his decision not to take up a ministerial position, prompting Macron to grant Lecornu a last-minute extension of 48 hours to negotiate with the LR. This development indicates that the political landscape in France remains unstable and ever-changing, leaving many to wonder if Lecornu can salvage his position.
As time progresses, the challenge of establishing a stable government becomes increasingly daunting for anyone associated with Macron, including his most trusted allies. The looming shadow of the 2027 French presidential election complicates matters further. Macron's declining popularity means that any politician who aligns with him risks severe backlash from voters in the next election cycle. Consequently, the fragile centre-right coalition that forms the backbone of Macron's administration appears to be fracturing, with the LR stepping back and discontent brewing among centrist factions.
Even former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, once viewed as a rising star within Macron's circle, is distancing himself from the current administration. This shift suggests a broader trend of disillusionment among Macron's supporters, as they brace for a potential political landscape devoid of the president. The current situation feels increasingly like the twilight of an era, with many preparing for a future that may not include Macron at the helm.
In summary, Sébastien Lecornu's brief tenure as Prime Minister illustrates the volatile nature of French politics today. With the impending electoral challenges and the growing rifts within Macron's government, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future direction of France.
