France in crisis: PM Sébastien Lecornu resigns after just 26 days amid political deadlock
Lecornu’s cabinet, unveiled on Sunday, faced immediate backlash in Parliament for retaining many of Bayrou’s ministers, with opposition parties threatening to vote it down.
France's Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, resigned on Monday, less than a month after taking office, citing the failure of political parties to reach compromises on governing.
Lecornu stepped down just 26 days after succeeding François Bayrou, whose government collapsed when lawmakers rejected his plan to cut government spending by €44 billion (Sh6.7 trillion).
More To Read
- France’s Gressier wins men’s 10,000m, ending Kenya’s 24-year wait for gold
- Algeria summons French envoy over consular staff, visa row
- France returns skulls of Malagasy King Toera and Sakalava ancestors after 128 years
- French Cabinet reviews bill to speed up artefact returns to Africa
- France urges EU to pressure Israel on two-state solution after pledging to recognise Palestine
- AU welcomes France’s planned recognition of Palestine as a step towards peace
Bayrou had himself replaced Michael Barnier, who was appointed PM in September 2024 but ousted within three months.
Lecornu’s cabinet, unveiled on Sunday, faced immediate backlash in Parliament for retaining many of Bayrou’s ministers, with opposition parties threatening to vote it down.
"I was ready for compromise, but all parties wanted the other party to adopt their programmes in their entirety. It wouldn't need much for this to work," he said outside the Hôtel de Matignon, the prime minister's residence, according to the BBC.
Political crisis deepens
The resignation deepens France’s political crisis, leaving President Emmanuel Macron without a majority in Parliament and facing calls for new elections after losing his fifth prime minister in less than two years.
"The only wise thing to do now is to hold elections," said Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally.
"The joke's gone on long enough. French people are fed up. Macron has put the country in an extremely difficult position."
France has faced political uncertainty since snap elections in July 2024 left Parliament split between the left, right, and centre, making it difficult to pass new laws or economic plans.
The country’s budget deficit rose to 5.8 per cent of GDP last year, and its debt reached 114 per cent, one of the highest in Europe. Following Lecornu’s resignation, stocks in Paris fell sharply, reflecting growing concern over the nation’s political and economic instability.
President Macron now faces limited options: he can appoint another prime minister, dissolve Parliament for fresh elections, or, less likely, resign.
French media reported he was not expected to make a statement on Monday, leaving the country waiting for his next move.
Top Stories Today
