Macron Reappoints Sébastien Lecornu as France’s Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has reinstated his outgoing prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, to the same position just four days after Lecornu tendered his resignation. The decision, announced on Friday, came as both allies and opposition members were hoping for a fresh face to break the months-long political gridlock surrounding France’s austerity budget.

“The President of the Republic has nominated Mr Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a government,” the Élysée Palace stated.

France has been entrenched in political deadlock since Macron’s gamble last year on snap parliamentary elections backfired—resulting in a hung parliament and significant gains for the far right.

Following the announcement, Lecornu, aged 39, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he had accepted the mission “out of duty.”

“We must end the political crisis,” he declared, vowing to do “everything possible” to secure a national budget by year’s end and affirming that “restoring public finances remains a priority for our future.”

Macron, facing his most severe domestic crisis since taking office in 2017, has yet to address the public directly.

Lecornu’s reappointment provoked a wave of indignation across the political spectrum.

It is worth noting that Lecornu’s two predecessors were also toppled by parliament over disputes concerning cost-cutting measures, underscoring the government’s fragile standing.

Lecornu, a loyal Macron ally and former defence minister, stayed on briefly after his resignation to consult with all political factions. In a televised interview on Wednesday, he suggested that a revised 2026 draft budget could be presented as early as Monday, allowing for approval before year’s end.

However, uncertainty remains over whether a new cabinet line-up will be unveiled by the weekend. Lecornu warned that anyone wishing to join his government “must commit to setting aside presidential ambitions” ahead of the 2027 elections.

His initial proposed list of ministers, unveiled the previous Sunday, drew criticism for failing to signal significant change. In response, Lecornu hinted that his upcoming cabinet might include more technocrats.

The ongoing political impasse has prompted criticism even from Macron’s former allies. In a rare public rebuke, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, now a contender for the next presidential race, urged Macron to resign once the budget passes, an unprecedented suggestion in modern French politics.

Macron, however, remains adamant that he will serve his full term, which constitutionally ends before the 2027 presidential election.

The far-right National Rally views this crisis as its best opportunity yet to seize power in 2027. While Marine Le Pen—its three-time presidential candidate—has been barred from contesting following a corruption conviction, her young lieutenant, Jordan Bardella (30), is widely expected to carry the far-right banner.

As Lecornu attempts to assemble a government capable of breaking France’s legislative stalemate, both domestic and international observers will be watching closely—waiting to see whether this renewed leadership marks a turning point or merely a continuation of crisis in Macron’s troubled second term.