Macron Reappoints Sebastien Lecornu as French Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as France’s prime minister, just days after Lecornu resigned from the same position. The surprise decision has sparked outrage among opposition parties, deepening France’s ongoing political crisis. Macron, 47, is counting on Lecornu’s loyalty and political experience to push through a crucial 2026 budget in a deeply divided parliament.

Lecornu, who served only 27 days in his first term before stepping down, now faces a monumental challenge in restoring stability. He vowed to “do everything possible” to secure a national budget by the end of the year and address the economic concerns of French citizens. Emphasizing unity, he said members of his new cabinet must set aside personal ambitions for the 2027 presidential race and “embody renewal and diversity.” Macron’s aides have indicated that Lecornu will have “carte blanche” to form his government and negotiate fiscal plans.

Reactions from the far right and hard left were scathing. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella called the reappointment a “democratic disgrace” and a “humiliation for the French people.” Leftist parties, angered that none of their members were considered for the prime minister role, accused Macron of deepening divisions. Analysts warn that another government collapse could push Macron toward calling a snap election, likely benefiting far-right factions.

France’s financial and political instability has weighed on growth and shaken investor confidence. Central bank chief Francois Villeroy de Galhau estimated the turmoil could cost 0.2 percentage points of GDP, stressing that “uncertainty is the number one enemy of growth.” At the heart of the budget debate lies the contentious pension reform that raised the retirement age—an issue dividing leftists seeking repeal and conservatives demanding fiscal discipline. With the deficit projected at 5.4%, Macron and Lecornu must now navigate a perilous political landscape to avoid yet another government breakdown.