French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Steps Down Following Under a Month in Power
France's Prime Minister Lecornu has resigned, shortly after his government team was presented.
The presidential office confirmed the news after Lecornu met the French President for an 60-minute discussion on the start of the week.
This unexpected development comes only under four weeks after he was given the PM role following the downfall of the previous government of François Bayrou.
Political factions in the National Assembly had fiercely criticised the makeup of Lecornu's cabinet, which was largely unchanged to Bayrou's, and promised to block its approval.
Pressure for New Vote and Political Instability
Several parties are now demanding new parliamentary polls, with certain voices demanding Macron to resign too - although he has always said he will not resign before his term ends in 2027.
"The President needs to choose: parliament's dissolution or resignation," said Chenu, one of key representatives of the far right National Rally (RN).
The outgoing PM - the ex-defense chief and a supporter of Macron - was France's fifth prime minister in under two years.
Context of Political Crisis
French politics has been highly unstable since last summer, when early legislative polls resulted in a no clear majority.
This has created challenges for any prime minister to garner the necessary support to enact new laws.
The previous administration was rejected in last month after parliament refused to back his fiscal tightening package, which aimed to slash government spending by €44bn.
Economic Pressures and Stock Reaction
France's deficit hit 5.8% of GDP in 2024 and its public debt is 114 percent of GDP.
That is the third largest government debt in the euro area after two southern European nations, and amounting to almost €50,000 per French citizen.
Stocks fell sharply in the Paris exchange after the resignation report was released on Monday.
