French Political Leaders React to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's Historic Resignation

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu shocked France by resigning on October 6, 2025, just 27 days after his appointment and only 12 hours after unveiling his government — the shortest tenure ever in the Fifth Republic. Lecornu cited "the awakening of partisan appetites" ahead of the presidential election as the reason for his resignation, amplifying political turmoil in a fractured Assembly without a clear majority.

Immediate political reactions exposed deep divisions. Bruno Retailleau, leader of Les Républicains, harshly criticized Lecornu, accusing him of a lack of transparency — especially for not consulting on Bruno Le Maire's nomination — reflecting a government disconnected from promised reforms. Retailleau urged President Emmanuel Macron to resolve the crisis by either dissolving the government or appointing new leadership. François-Xavier Bellamy, vice-president of Les Républicains, defended the party's earlier decision to participate in Lecornu's government based on key national issues such as budget, security, and immigration, but disclosed the party reconsidered its involvement after assessing the government's composition.

From the center, MoDem's Marc Fesneau expressed shame over the political climate, blaming individual political ambitions for the instability. On the left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon proposed a meeting of leftist parties to coordinate a response; however, this offer was rejected by some like Marine Tondelier of the Ecologists. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen of Rassemblement National demanded the National Assembly be dissolved to allow new elections, a sentiment echoed by other right-wing figures concerned with restoring legitimacy amid rising public discontent.

This episode follows the failed 2024 dissolution and the difficulties faced by the administration of Emmanuel Macron in securing a stable governing majority, previously underscored by Gabriel Attal's 51-day caretaker premiership. The resignation of Lecornu adds to an unprecedented political crisis exposing discord among major parties and deepening uncertainty about France's governance.

As Bruno Retailleau prepares to detail Les Républicains' future stance, and calls for dissolution multiply, President Macron faces increasing pressure to provide clear direction amid a fragmented and volatile political landscape.