French minister urges unity after PM Lecornu resignation

Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Ecological Transition, called for political unity and compromise following the abrupt resignation of newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

In a message posted on X, Pannier-Runacher stressed that the current political environment, which she described as a “circus” where everyone plays a role but no one takes responsibility, requires parties to set aside divisions, Caliber.Az reports. 

Comme beaucoup d’entre vous, je désespère de ce cirque où chacun joue son rôle, mais où personne ne prend ses responsabilités.

Je n’oublie pas que j’ai été élue députée du Pas-de-Calais grâce au front républicain en juillet 2024. Ce choix n’était pas un renoncement, mais un acte…

— Agnès Pannier-Runacher 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@AgnesRunacher) October 6, 2025

She recalled that she had been elected deputy of Pas-de-Calais in July 2024 thanks to the republican front, describing her choice as a "conscious act of clarity" against the far-right and political withdrawal.

Pannier-Runacher emphasised the importance of overcoming partisan divisions to serve France and the French people, stating that progress cannot be achieved by sidelining the left.

She also called for including groups such as the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI) and LIOT (Liberties, Independents, Overseas and Territories) in governance, noting that collaboration does not mean abandoning convictions.

She concluded that the path forward lies between “surrender and stubbornness” and requires a commitment to building solutions rather than clinging to political symbols.

A reminder that Lecornu stepped down on October 6, just hours after unveiling his cabinet, which had been announced on October 5 after weeks of cross-party consultations.

By Sabina Mammadli