French President Emmanuel Macron reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, mere days after Lecornu’s resignation on October 8. The 27-day stint ended amid a hung parliament and budget deadlock, marking Macron’s third PM change in under a year. Facing France’s worst political crisis in decades, Macron aims for Lecornu to secure 2026 budget support.
The decision sparked outrage. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella called it a “democratic disgrace and humiliation for the French people” on X. Far-left parties fumed after Macron excluded their nominee. Conservatives and Socialists, crucial for Lecornu’s survival, have yet to react. A snap election call could favour the far right, Macron’s rivals warn.
Lecornu’s priority is a 2026 budget by October 13, requiring cuts or tax hikes to address a 5.4% deficit, double the EU cap. He envisions a 4.7–5% target. Macron convened mainstream leaders to rally support, offering a one-year delay in raising the retirement age to 64. Green leader Marine Tondelier deemed it insufficient.
BREAKING: President Emmanuel Macron has re-appointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, days after the French politician resigned from the role.https://t.co/G8gDzyqv3Q
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 10, 2025Lecornu wrote on X, “I accept this duty to provide France with a budget and address daily issues.” He pledged a cabinet embodying “renewal and diversity,” renouncing 2027 presidential ambitions. Macron’s team granted him “carte blanche” for negotiations.
Central bank chief Francois Villeroy de Galhau warned on October 10 that uncertainty could shave 0.2% off GDP. “Uncertainty is the enemy of growth,” he told RTL radio. Business sentiment suffers, though the economy holds steady.
The crisis stems from Macron’s 2024 election gamble, yielding a fragmented parliament divided into three blocs. Pension reforms and wealth taxes divide allies, risking a roll-over budget if no consensus emerges.
Lecornu’s return tests Macron’s crisis management. Failure could trigger elections or Macron’s resignation, reshaping French politics.
