Macron Entrusts Lecornu with Final 48-Hour Bid for Political Stability Amid Crisis
After Sébastien Lecornu's resignation as Prime Minister, President Macron grants him 48 hours to negotiate political stability, warning of possible National Assembly dissolution if talks fail.
- • Sébastien Lecornu resigned as Prime Minister after 27 days, the shortest in the Fifth Republic's history.
- • President Macron gave Lecornu 48 hours to negotiate a stability platform with political stakeholders.
- • The fragile coalition with Les Républicains has contributed to the crisis prompting resignation.
- • Macron warned of dissolving the National Assembly if Lecornu's negotiations fail.
- • Opposition leaders like Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon have criticized Macron, calling for resignation or parliamentary action.
Key details
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu tendered his resignation on October 6, 2025, just 27 days after his appointment, the shortest tenure in the Fifth Republic's history. President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation but immediately tasked Lecornu with conducting "last chance" negotiations over 48 hours to try to restore political stability, especially in light of looming coalition fractures with the right-wing party Les Républicains.
Macron's directive involves securing a platform for government stability by engaging with political leaders including the Presidents of the National Assembly and Senate. Lecornu has reportedly declined to be reappointed if these talks fail. Macron indicated that failure to reach an agreement could prompt him to dissolve the National Assembly—a move underscoring the political severity of the crisis.
This crisis follows Lecornu's appointment less than a month ago and his government's unveiling less than 24 hours before stepping down. The fragile coalition that underpinned Macron’s governability has been destabilized, drawing vocal criticism. Figures such as Marine Le Pen called on Macron to either resign or dissolve the government, emphasizing his constitutional duty to restore institutional stability. Similarly, Jean-Luc Mélenchon advocated an immediate motion to dismiss Macron, gaining traction among left-wing factions. The Socialist Party expressed openness to participating in a future government led by a left-oriented Prime Minister.
As Lecornu embarks on these crucial discussions, the French political landscape awaits either a renewed coalition agreement or potential parliamentary dissolution, marking a decisive moment in Macron's presidency.