President Emmanuel Macron Brings Back Lecornu as French Prime Minister Following A Period of Instability

Sébastien Lecornu portrait
The politician held the position for only 26 days before his dramatic departure last Monday

President Emmanuel Macron has asked his former prime minister to return as French prime minister only four days after he stepped down, sparking a week of political upheaval and instability.

Macron stated on Friday evening, following meeting all the main parties collectively at the official residence, excluding the representatives of the political extremes.

Lecornu's return came as a surprise, as he said on broadcast only two days ago that he was not seeking the position and his “mission is over”.

Doubts remain whether he will be able to establish a ruling coalition, but he will have to hit the ground running. Lecornu faces a cut-off on the start of the week to submit financial plans before parliament.

Political Challenges and Fiscal Demands

The presidency announced the president had assigned him to build a cabinet, and Macron's entourage suggested he had been given full authority to act.

Lecornu, who is one of the president's key supporters, then issued a comprehensive announcement on an online platform in which he agreed to take on as an obligation the task entrusted to me by the president, to do everything to finalize financial plans by the December and address the common issues of our countrymen.

Partisan conflicts over how to lower France's national debt and reduce the fiscal shortfall have caused the ouster of several leaders in the last year, so his mission is daunting.

The nation's debt in the past months was nearly 114 percent of gross domestic product – the number three in the eurozone – and current shortfall is estimated to reach 5.4% of the economy.

Lecornu said that no one can avoid the imperative of restoring the nation's budget. With only 18 months before the conclusion of his term, he warned that anyone joining his government would have to set aside their political goals.

Ruling Amid Division

What makes it even harder for the prime minister is that he will face a vote of confidence in a parliament where Macron has lacks sufficient support to back him. His public standing plummeted recently, according to research that put his approval rating on 14 percent.

Jordan Bardella of the National Rally party, which was not invited of Macron's talks with faction heads on Friday, commented that Lecornu's reappointment, by a president out of touch at the presidential palace, is a poor decision.

The National Rally would quickly propose a challenge against a failing government, whose only reason for being was avoiding a vote, he continued.

Seeking Support

The prime minister at least knows the pitfalls ahead as he tries to form a government, because he has already spent two days lately talking to parties that might participate in his administration.

Alone, the centrist parties are insufficient, and there are disagreements within the conservative Republicans who have assisted the ruling coalition since he lacked support in the previous vote.

So Lecornu will consider progressive groups for possible backing.

In an attempt to court the left, Macron's team hinted the president was thinking of postponing to portions of his highly contentious social security adjustments enacted last year which extended working life from the early sixties.

It was insufficient of what progressive chiefs wanted, as they were anticipating he would select a premier from the left. Olivier Faure of the Socialists stated lacking commitments, they would withhold backing in a vote of confidence.

The Communist figure from the Communists commented post-consultation that the progressive camp wanted substantive shifts, and a prime minister from the central bloc would not be endorsed by the public.

Greens leader Marine Tondelier said she was “stunned” the president had provided few concessions to the left, adding that outcomes would be negative.

Teresa Schultz
Teresa Schultz

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