Political Crisis in France: Sébastien Lecornu Resigns as Emmanuel Macron Prepares New Prime Minister Appointment
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigns amid a political crisis in France, with President Emmanuel Macron set to appoint a new Prime Minister within 48 hours amidst contentious pension reforms and political fractures.
- • Sébastien Lecornu has resigned and considers his mission complete.
- • Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new Prime Minister within 48 hours.
- • Pension reform remains a contentious issue blocking parliamentary progress.
- • Calls increase for a leftist Prime Minister outside the centrist bloc.
- • Political leaders debate whether Macron should resign or pursue early elections.
Key details
Amid ongoing political turmoil in France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has officially resigned, setting the stage for President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a new Prime Minister within 48 hours. Lecornu, speaking during the evening news on France 2, expressed that despite his efforts and negotiations across political parties, his mission was complete and stated, “Tonight, I consider my mission to be over.” He emphasized the importance of the incoming government remaining free from 2027 presidential election ambitions and firmly dismissed the notion of his continuation in the role.
Lecornu’s resignation follows strained negotiations throughout Wednesday aimed at resolving the political crisis, centered in part on the contentious pension reform, which remains a major obstacle in Parliament. He highlighted the critical need to reach a budget agreement by December 31 to avoid dire consequences, but acknowledged significant parliamentary opposition and divisions, including calls for suspension or abrogation of pension reforms.
President Macron is poised to name a new Prime Minister within two days, with former President François Hollande suggesting the new leader should come from outside the centrist bloc—potentially from the Socialist Party—to better secure parliamentary support. Marine Tondelier, leader of the Ecologists, advocated for a leftist and ecologist Prime Minister to ensure governmental stability, warning that a Prime Minister aligned with Macron’s camp would face censure if the National Assembly were dissolved. These calls reflect broader political fractures, with figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Marine Le Pen, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s coalition partners increasingly pressing Macron to resign or adjust his approach amid mass dissatisfaction.
Lecornu completed final consultations with key parties to forge a stable budget platform for the end of the year but faced harsh criticism from opposition leaders accusing him of illusions about consensus and calling for early elections. Despite these tensions, Lecornu maintained that it is “not the moment to change the President” and appeared committed to enabling a peaceful transition of leadership as the government navigates this crucial phase.
The political landscape remains unsettled as Macron prepares to appoint a new Prime Minister capable of breaking the deadlock and guiding France through the mounting challenges ahead.