French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Resigns Amid Political Turmoil
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigns, causing political upheaval and market decline, as prominent politicians demand government reforms and parliamentary dissolution in France.
- • Sébastien Lecornu resigns as Prime Minister, President Macron accepts.
- • French stock market CAC 40 drops over 1.7% following resignation.
- • Political figures call for dissolution of National Assembly and government reforms.
- • Xavier Bertrand refuses to partake in current government, urging Macron to acknowledge election losses.
Key details
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has officially resigned, with President Emmanuel Macron accepting his resignation, marking a significant development in France's ongoing political crisis. Lecornu, who had assumed office on September 9, faced extensive criticism, particularly following the announcement of his government composition, and was expected to present a policy statement to the National Assembly. His resignation triggered a sharp reaction in financial markets, with the French stock market index CAC 40 falling by over 1.7% as investors reacted negatively to the political uncertainty.
Key political figures responded decisively to Lecornu's departure. Mathilde Panot of La France Insoumise (LFI) declared that “the countdown has begun” for President Macron’s exit, underscoring the instability marked by three prime ministers being defeated in less than a year. Jordan Bardella from the Rassemblement National (RN) called for the immediate dissolution of the National Assembly, emphasizing the governmental impasse. Olivier Faure of the Socialist Party (PS) proposed initiating a debate on pension reforms to avoid a censure vote, reflecting concerns over legislative gridlock. Additionally, dissatisfaction within the Les Républicains (LR) party surfaced, with influential figures like Xavier Bertrand explicitly refusing participation in the current government. Bertrand criticized the administration’s efforts as a “waste” and a “masquerade,” calling on Macron to acknowledge the electoral defeat reflected in legislative elections and to assume responsibility for the need to dissolve parliament and restore French citizens’ trust.
This resignation follows a period of intense political instability in France, with Lecornu's successor still uncertain and significant challenges ahead for President Macron to navigate legislative dynamics, public discontent, and coalition management. The political environment remains fragile, with calls for fundamental changes growing louder across the spectrum of French politics.