Political Crisis Deepens as Prime Minister Lecornu Faces Unions' Fury

France is grappling with a significant political crisis, exacerbated by widespread discontent towards the policies of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. A recent letter from Lecornu to unions failed to address critical demands from social movements, leading the CGT union to call for mass mobilizations and strikes. Lecornu’s inaction on pivotal issues such as pension reforms and unemployment rights has drawn widespread frustration, perceived by many as indicative of his weak leadership. The CGT characterized Lecornu as the most ineffective Prime Minister in the history of France’s Fifth Republic, echoing concerns that his government will collapse if social demands remain ignored.

Data from the Insee reveals a troubling dichotomy: while small businesses have created 1.9 million jobs in the last decade, major CAC 40 companies have shed 170,000 jobs, despite continuing to receive substantial state aid. This situation has intensified calls from unions for the government to ensure that multinational firms pay their fair share of taxes in France.

On the parliamentary front, Lecornu is currently engaged in consultations with political representatives, seeking support for impending legislative decisions. His upcoming general policy statement is anticipated next week amid fears of further political discord and censorship. The National Assembly and Senate's functionality during this tumultuous period remains under debate, with various political leaders expressing skepticism about Lecornu’s ability to unify a fractured Parliament.

Former Prime Minister Alain Juppé has weighed in, asserting that French democracy is experiencing a crisis, highlighting growing public dissatisfaction with administrative inefficiencies. Meanwhile, there are concerns that the current political climate, marked by decreasing civil service employment and a call for more effective constitutional interventions, will only escalate tensions moving forward. The continuing protests and legislative discussions signal a volatile period for Lecornu, as he attempts to navigate the unyielding obstacles posed by both public discontent and political fragmentation.