Sebastien Lecornu has been reappointed amid intense political turmoil but says he will stay only if conditions allow
Reappointed French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has cautioned that his time in office might be short‑lived – again – unless political conditions improve.
French President Emmanuel Macron reinstated Lecornu on Friday, just four days after the former armed forces minister resigned amid deep political instability.
Lecornu acknowledged that many were reluctant to take on the role and warned that his tenure could last only as long as he retains the support needed to govern.
Despite returning to the role, Lecornu stated he “had no agenda,” when answering questions from the press on Saturday. “I have no ambitions other than to get out of this moment, which is objectively very difficult for everyone,” he said.
Lecornu’s reappointment came after his earlier administration collapsed within weeks due to a lack of workable alliances in a divided National Assembly.
In his public remarks, Lecornu called for parties to end what he called the “ridiculous spectacle” of partisan gridlock. He emphasized the urgent need to pass a state and social security budget before year-end to help manage France’s widening fiscal deficit.
Lecornu’s first stint as prime minister lasted just 27 days, making it the shortest in modern French history. He resigned hours after unveiling his cabinet, explaining that the conditions to govern were no longer present.
“I resigned last Monday because the conditions were no longer met,” the prime minister promised. “If the conditions were no longer met, I would leave,” he warned.
Lecornu now confronts a hostile parliament. The major opposition blocs from the left and right have pledged to vote against him, and key centrist and right‑wing groups have refused to join his cabinet, offering only conditional legislative support.
Beyond his warnings, Lecornu must immediately steer the 2026 budget through this fragmented legislature. He has also signaled openness to debate controversial reforms – notably pension changes – so long as discussions remain realistic.
