French Prime Minister Resigns Abruptly, Deepening Political Crisis

Sébastien Lecornu resigned as France’s Prime Minister on Monday, less than a month after his appointment, marking a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing political turmoil. His resignation, described as unexpected and unprecedented, sent shockwaves through the financial markets, leading to a sharp decline in both French stocks and the value of the euro.

The announcement came after a series of consultations with various political factions. Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, had appointed his cabinet on Sunday, with plans for their first meeting set for Monday afternoon. However, the new cabinet lineup faced immediate backlash. Critics from both sides of the political spectrum deemed it either too right-leaning or insufficiently conservative, raising concerns about its potential longevity.

France’s political landscape has become increasingly unstable following Macron’s re-election in 2022. The President’s decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year resulted in a fragmented parliament, leaving no single party with a majority. This situation has contributed to a climate of uncertainty and dissatisfaction among the electorate.

Lecornu officially submitted his resignation to Macron on Monday morning. The press office of the Élysée Palace confirmed the move, stating, “Mr. Sébastien Lecornu has submitted the resignation of his Government to the President of the Republic, who has accepted it.” This resignation makes Lecornu the fifth prime minister to serve under Macron in just two years, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the French government.

The resignation is likely to have far-reaching implications for both domestic policy and France’s standing on the international stage. As political factions scramble to address the crisis, the absence of a stable administration raises questions about the future governance of France, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as economic recovery and social cohesion.

Lecornu’s brief tenure as prime minister has underscored the difficulties faced by Macron’s government in navigating a fragmented political environment. With no clear majority, the path forward remains uncertain, leaving many to speculate on who may take the reins next in this turbulent chapter of French politics.