French Prime Minister Steps Down After Two Weeks

France plunged into a deeper political crisis this week when Sébastien Lecornu unexpectedly stepped down from his role as Prime Minister, only 14 days after taking office and less than 24 hours post-announcement of his cabinet. This sudden resignation surprised both allies and opponents alike, resulting in a sharp decline in financial markets, with the CAC 40 index falling significantly and the euro losing value amid fresh uncertainties.

An Abrupt Downfall After Cabinet Announcement

Lecornu, a longtime confidant of President Emmanuel Macron and previously the Minister of Armed Forces, had dedicated weeks to private negotiations with party leaders throughout France’s fragmented parliament. His selection had been seen as an effort to bring stability following Gabriel Attal’s departure. However, that optimism dissipated quickly. On Sunday, Lecornu unveiled his team of ministers—an attempt at representing various political ideologies—but it was met with immediate criticism. Voices from both ends of the political spectrum condemned his choices as either excessively conservative or lacking any distinct ideological direction.

Political analysts pointed out notable dissatisfaction regarding critical appointments in the finance and interior ministries. Many perceived these selections as too aligned with Macron’s centrist faction rather than fostering broader collaboration within the government. Public sentiment mirrored this unrest; hashtags demanding Lecornu’s resignation became trending topics on French social media even before the new cabinet convened for its inaugural meeting.

Macron Faces Growing Pressure

The unexpected resignation occurred just hours before the first cabinet meeting of Lecornu was to take place. Most reports from Le Monde indicated Lecornu had submitted his resignation directly to the Élysée Palace early Monday, speaking of “insurmountable divisions” and a lack of a mandate to rule. President Macron readily accepted the resignation, as he is now on a diplomatic trip to Eastern Europe.

The collapse of Lecornu’s government has only added to Macron’s problems of leadership. Since losing his absolute majority in the National Assembly in 2022, Macron has had to carry out major legislation, which has included some controversial pension reform and earlier protests in France. Now with a divided government, it is questioned whether Macron can govern at all with what remains of his centrist coalition, or if he would have to run the risk of bringing on new elections.

The political analyst Bruno Cautrès said to France 24, this episode reflects “a president cornered by a parliament that he is unable to command, and a class of political figures that sees no further need for cooperation.”

What is Next for France?

The eyes of the nation are now turned to other possible successors. Some in Macron’s circle are said to be lobbying for Bruno Le Maire, the present Economy Minister, while others are said to be calling for a return to the former polices, which would again bring in figures like former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. It would seem however, that whoever came in to replace Lecornu would have the same structural difficulties to cope with, such as ruling without a parliamentary majority.

In the meantime this opportunity has not been lost on right-wing leader Marine Le Pen and the left phoenix Jean-Luc Mélenchon, both have attacked the presidency on the occasion. Le Pen said that Lecornu’s resignation was a “proof that this ministry is in a terminal decline.” The views of Mélenchon were, that Macron was “governing by decrees” showing lack of a democratic rationale.

If Macron is unable to choose another widely accepted nominee, who could hope to survive a vote of confidence, then it could be that France is on the eve of an early election, which is what the French President has so far avoided.

With political institution of the country under strain and the social tension at high tension yet, the Lecornu resignation could be seen more than a trifle. It might show forth slowly to the world that Macron is unable to continue to govern.