Macron bets again on Lecornu as France faces political and budgetary crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, just days after the centrist leader resigned and his government collapsed barely 14 hours after taking office.

Lecornu said he accepted his return to Matignon “out of duty,” vowing to “do everything possible to provide France with a budget by the end of the year and to address the daily life issues of our fellow citizens”, as per foreign media. 

He urged an end to the “political crisis that is exasperating the French people” and the “instability that is harming France’s image and its interests.”

Macron’s decision to reinstate Lecornu underscores the worsening domestic turmoil engulfing his presidency, with the National Assembly still deeply divided between the left, far right, and centre. Within Macron’s Renaissance party, MP Shannon Seban said Lecornu’s return was essential for “stability,” while outgoing education minister Élisabeth Borne said he could “build compromise for France.”

Opposition figures, however, reacted angrily. Jordan Bardella, president of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, called Lecornu’s reappointment a “bad joke,” a “shame on democracy,” and a “humiliation for the French people,” pledging to support a no-confidence vote. On the left, the Socialist Party denied any deal to avoid such a motion, while Green Party leader Marine Tondelier labelled the appointment “incredible.”

The move follows an extraordinary week in which Lecornu quit only hours after announcing his first cabinet, facing fierce criticism for refusing to include figures from other political camps. His resignation came before attending his first cabinet meeting or delivering a policy address to parliament. The crisis came shortly after his predecessor François Bayrou was forced out over proposed budget cuts.

At 39, Lecornu, a former defence minister known for expanding military spending, became France’s third prime minister in just one year — a reflection of the government’s instability since Macron’s failed snap election last year. With no clear parliamentary majority, the government faces an urgent deadline to pass the 2026 budget within weeks.

Lecornu’s reappointment capped a tense day of consultations at the Élysée Palace, where Macron met with opposition leaders, many of whom said their concerns were ignored. One participant described the talks as “talking to a wall.”

Julien Aubert, vice-president of Les Républicains, which had previously supported Macron’s centrists, called the decision “a provocation” and said “the messaging is terrible.” Others were more conciliatory — party spokesperson Vincent Jeanbrun said the move “gives a chance for stability.”

Macron’s approval ratings have now plunged to record lows. Political commentator Alain Minc told BFMTV that the president had become “politically radioactive.”

Lecornu is expected to form a new government over the weekend and hold his first cabinet meeting on Monday to begin negotiations on the 2026 budget.

François Villeroy de Galhau, head of France’s central bank, warned that the prolonged political uncertainty could harm business, consumer confidence, and economic growth. “Uncertainty is the number one enemy of growth,” he told RTL radio.

Under France’s semi-presidential system, the president serves as head of state with authority over foreign policy and security, while the prime minister leads the government on domestic affairs.

By Tamilla Hasanova