French President Emmanuel Macron has chosen Sebastien Lecornu, his defense minister and trusted ally, as the new prime minister, contradicting predictions of a leftward shift. This decision follows Francois Bayrou’s resignation from the prime ministerial position after losing a confidence vote concerning his proposed budget reductions. At 39 years old, Lecornu has played an important role in Macron’s administration, managing increased defense budgets and contributing to the formation of European security commitments for Ukraine.
Lecornu’s appointment demonstrates Macron’s aim to uphold his pro-business reform strategies, which involve tax reductions for corporations and affluent individuals, as well as raising the retirement age. His urgent task will be to build consensus around the 2026 budget, a feat that was difficult for his predecessor. Macron has instructed Lecornu to consult with all parliamentary groups to achieve compromises on the budget and other initiatives before establishing his cabinet.
“The President of the Republic has entrusted me with the task of building a government with a clear direction: the defense of our independence and our power, the service of the French people, and political and institutional stability,” Lecornu posted on X. “I wish to thank him for the confidence he has shown me by appointing me Prime Minister.”
This decision has been met with doubt from leftist factions, which are organizing nationwide demonstrations under the slogan “Block Everything.” The hard-left France Unbowed party intends to propose a no-confidence motion against Lecornu, yet its chances of success remain uncertain due to possible backing from the far-right National Rally party. Jordan Bardella, the president of that party, has expressed a readiness to collaborate with Lecornu on the budget but insists on stringent conditions.”We will judge – without illusion – the new Prime Minister on his merits, on his actions, on his policies for providing France with a budget, and this in light of our red lines,” Bardella posted on X.
Lecornu’s rapport with the National Rally party, especially with Bardella and Marine Le Pen, may be vital in garnering support for his administration. After having a private dinner with Bardella last year, Lecornu might utilize this relationship to identify areas of agreement. Nevertheless, the RN has made it clear that it will not accept tax hikes on hard-working citizens and demands cuts to immigration expenses, public sector spending, and France’s financial contributions to the European Union.
This appointment highlights Macron’s tendency to reward loyalty and ensure stability within his administration. As protests loom nationwide, Lecornu must confront substantial obstacles while navigating France’s escalating political turmoil and working to stabilize the euro zone’s second-largest economy. The budget deficit, which currently stands at 5.8% of GDP, surpasses the EU’s limit of 3%, intensifying the pressure on Lecornu to produce a feasible budget.
