French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Faces Urgent Political Deadlines Amid Government Formation Challenges
Sébastien Lecornu grapples with rapid government formation and critical budget presentation as political parties signal mixed cooperation ahead of France's constitutional deadline.
- • Sébastien Lecornu to announce government by Monday or Tuesday amid urgent budget deadlines.
- • Lecornu has resigned once and may do so again if conditions remain unfavorable.
- • Républicains refuse government participation but avoid a motion of censure for stability.
- • Constitutional debate over budget presentation without a full cabinet complicates political process.
Key details
Following his recent reappointment as Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron, Sébastien Lecornu is under significant pressure to rapidly form a government and present a budget to Parliament within the constitutionally mandated 70-day timeframe before the end of the year. Lecornu plans to announce his new government by Monday or Tuesday, soon followed by a general policy speech, signaling the urgency of stabilizing the executive branch amid political uncertainties.
Lecornu, who had resigned just last Monday due to unfavorable working conditions, expressed his willingness to resign again if these conditions do not improve, stating, "I will not do anything foolish". He highlighted receiving "carte blanche" from the Élysée, which he interprets as substantial autonomy in his leadership, emphasizing that returning to the position was "not an obvious choice."
The political landscape complicates Lecornu's efforts. The Républicains party has announced it will refrain from participating in the government but will not initiate a motion of censure, prioritizing overall political stability and the timely approval of the national budget. Meanwhile, the Horizons party has maintained an ambiguous stance regarding government participation but stresses the immediate necessity to support budget formulation.
Constitutional experts remain divided over whether a Prime Minister can present a budget without a full cabinet endorsement, adding legal complexity to an already strained situation. During this political crisis, Thierry Beaudet, president of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), has called on political leaders to embrace a broader democratic approach to navigate the instability.
Lecornu's government formation efforts coincide with the looming budget deadline, which demands swift and effective political coordination to avoid a parliamentary impasse, underscoring both the fragility and urgency of the current French political climate.