Macron Reappoints Lecornu as Prime Minister to Tackle Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastian Lecornu as Prime Minister, just days after Lecornu’s resignation amidst political turmoil. This decision aims to break the political deadlock that has persisted in France for over a year. Macron has tasked Lecornu with the challenging goal of forming a stable government as the country grapples with significant economic challenges.

The reappointment came after intense negotiations, following Lecornu’s abrupt resignation on March 12, 2025, just hours after he unveiled a new cabinet. His departure was prompted by opposition from a crucial coalition partner, leading to calls for Macron to either resign or dissolve Parliament again. Instead, Macron announced that he would name a successor within 48 hours, ultimately reverting to Lecornu in a bid to stabilize his government.

Political analysts view this move as Macron’s last chance to revitalize his presidency, which is set to run until 2027. The president currently lacks a majority in the National Assembly, making it difficult to advance his legislative agenda. Critics, including members of his own party, have expressed concerns over the government’s direction and its ability to address pressing issues. Marine Tondelier, leader of The Ecologists party, remarked on the situation, stating, “The impression we get is that the more alone he is, the more rigid he becomes.”

France is facing escalating economic difficulties, with public debt reaching 3.346 trillion euros (approximately $3.9 trillion), representing 114% of the country’s gross domestic product. The poverty rate has also increased to 15.4% in 2023, the highest since records began in 1996, according to the national statistics institute. These figures have raised alarms among financial markets, ratings agencies, and the European Commission, all of which are urging France to adhere to EU debt limits.

Leaders of opposition parties, after meeting with Macron, noted that he does not seem inclined to choose a left-wing candidate for the prime ministerial role. The far-right National Rally and the far-left France Unbowed party were notably excluded from discussions. While National Rally advocates for fresh legislative elections, France Unbowed demands Macron’s resignation. Some analysts suggest that Macron may consider forming a technocratic government to navigate through the current political impasse.

Lecornu, who had previously indicated he was not seeking the position, remained a loyal ally and attempted to build consensus around the government’s budget prior to his resignation. He expressed optimism about the potential for cooperation among Macron’s centrist bloc, its allies, and certain opposition factions. “There’s a majority that can govern,” Lecornu stated. “I feel that a path is still possible. It is difficult.”

The new prime minister faces the immediate challenge of avoiding a vote of no confidence and may have to abandon unpopular policies, including a pension reform that raises the retirement age from 62 to 64. This reform, a cornerstone of Macron’s second term, was enacted without a parliamentary vote in 2023, despite widespread protests.

The political deadlock in France stems from Macron’s controversial decision in June 2024 to dissolve the National Assembly, which resulted in a hung parliament without a clear majority. The ongoing gridlock has created uncertainty among investors, frustrated voters, and stalled efforts to manage the country’s escalating deficit and public debt. Lecornu’s resignation, occurring just 14 hours after his cabinet announcement, highlighted the fragility of Macron’s coalition amidst profound political rivalries.

As France navigates this complex political landscape, the next steps taken by Lecornu and Macron will be closely watched, as they could significantly impact the nation’s stability and economic recovery.