In a dramatic turnaround that underlines the chaos gripping French politics, President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister less than a week after resigning.
The surprise decision came just days after Sébastien Lecornu's previous government collapsed, leaving France without stable leadership and further throwing into turmoil a parliament already paralyzed by months of partisan gridlock.
Why did Macron bring Lecornu back?
French President Macron's office said Sébastien Lecornu, a centrist and longtime ally, had been asked to form a new cabinet – the country's fourth government in less than a year, highlighting an instability not seen since the Fifth Republic was founded in 1958.
“I accept – out of a sense of duty – the mission entrusted to me by the President of the Republic to do everything possible to provide France with a budget by the end of the year and to provide an answer to the everyday problems faced by our fellow citizens,” Lecornu wrote on X.
Sebastien Lecornu added: “We must put an end to this political crisis, which is irritating the French people, and to this instability, which is damaging to France's image and interests.”
Will Lecornu survive a vote of no confidence?
Sébastien Lecornu's reinstatement has sparked fierce opposition across the political spectrum. Left-wing and far-right parties immediately announced plans for a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly, threatening to bring down his new government before it has even started.
Even some of Macron's allies privately questioned the wisdom of the move, warning that it would ignore public anger and could further damage the president's already low approval ratings.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, said on X that Macron was “more isolated and disconnected than ever.”
“The National Rally will of course immediately denounce this useless alliance, the only reason for which is the fear of dissolution, that is, of the people,” Bardella wrote.
What lies behind France's political paralysis?
The French parliament has been deadlocked since President Macron's centrist alliance lost its majority in snap elections last year. Three major blocs – left, centre-right and far-right – have since failed to build a stable coalition.
That stalemate has fueled months of political and economic uncertainty, delaying the passage of a budget and disrupting markets. Many lawmakers are also wary of new elections, fearing heavy losses for the far right.
Macron's controversial 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, remains a major source of tension. Opposition parties hoped that Macron would consider shelving the proposal, but he only offered to delay its full implementation until after 2027, when his presidency ends.
Can Macron still break the impasse?
Emmanuel Macron has ruled out both his resignation and new parliamentary elections, betting instead that most parties will compromise on the budget to avoid political unrest. But that calculation could prove risky as public frustration mounts.
Legally, there is no obstacle to Macron reappointing Lecornu, who has served in every government since 2017. Politically, however, this has reinforced accusations that the president is clinging to loyalists rather than heeding voters' calls for change.
Political crisis in France: what happens next?
Sébastien Lecornu promised on Friday that “all the issues raised during the consultations in recent days will be open to parliamentary debate,” although he did not directly mention the pension reform.
For now, France faces a new test of endurance: a government on the brink, a restless electorate and a president betting that his most loyal ally can somehow restore order.
