French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed his loyalist, Sébastien Lecornu, as the new prime minister, surprising many who expected a shift towards the left. This decision reflects Macron’s commitment to advancing his pro-business economic reforms, which include reducing taxes for businesses and the wealthy and increasing the retirement age.
Despite this, Macron has tasked Lecornu with engaging in discussions with all political factions in parliament to reach compromises on budget and policy issues before forming the cabinet, a departure from traditional French political practices.
In response to his appointment, Lecornu emphasized the government’s focus on defending national independence, serving the French people, and ensuring political stability. This move marks Lecornu as Macron’s fifth prime minister in less than two years, amid a deeply divided parliament split among three ideological camps.
The nomination of a loyalist as prime minister by the unpopular Macron has been met with criticism from leftist parties, prompting calls for nationwide protests. Socialist lawmaker Philippe Brun described Lecornu’s appointment as a blow to parliament, suggesting it may signal the end of Macron’s reign.
While the far-left France Unbowed party plans to file a motion of no confidence against Lecornu, the far-right National Rally party has shown a willingness to collaborate on budget matters. Lecornu’s government is likely to depend on the support of the National Rally party, which has played a role in the downfall of previous governments.
Lecornu’s immediate priority will be to build consensus on the 2026 budget, a challenge that led to the downfall of his predecessor, François Bayrou. The political upheaval in France reflects deepening economic turmoil and rising debt levels, posing challenges for the country’s stability.
Having previously served as Macron’s defense minister, Lecornu brings experience in defense spending and European security matters. His political journey from supporting Nicolas Sarkozy to joining Macron’s centrist movement underscores his diverse background.
By choosing a prime minister from his own political camp with conservative roots, Macron aims to safeguard his economic policies, including tax reforms and retirement age adjustments. The appointment of Lecornu signals Macron’s determination to uphold his economic agenda amidst growing political discontent and opposition.
