Credited from: TRTGLOBAL
French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister just four days after his resignation, asking him to form a government capable of addressing the country’s serious political and economic issues, which have worsened in recent weeks. Macron’s move, announced late Friday, comes as France struggles with rising public debt and political turmoil following a hung parliament from snap elections held last year, which had initially aimed to consolidate power for Macron's administration, according to Reuters and Le Monde.
Lecornu's reappointment was surprising given his previous resignation sparked intense discussions about the need for a fresh face in government to break the cycle of paralysis over budgetary issues. In his new role, he has been tasked with submitting a budget proposal to the National Assembly by Monday, which requires the formation of a new cabinet, a challenge complicated by existing political divides, reports BBC and Bloomberg.
Political reactions to Lecornu's reinstatement have been largely negative, with opposition leaders from various factions describing the decision as a "bad joke" and calling for immediate action to overturn his government if necessary. Lecornu himself has claimed he returns "out of duty" and has emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus in order to tackle France's budget deficit and address pressing public concerns, according to CBS News and Reuters.
Lecornu is also under pressure to abandon controversial pension reforms that raised the retirement age, which could hinder bipartisan support in the National Assembly. His statement underscored a commitment to restoring trust among political factions, all of which have competing priorities as they gear up for the next presidential election in 2027, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and Reuters.
As he navigates these turbulent waters, Lecornu has noted that whoever joins his cabinet must forgo ambitions for the upcoming presidential run, reinforcing a collaborative approach in an effort to stabilize governance in a politically fractured environment, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.