France's Premier Steps Down Following Less Than a Month Amid Widespread Condemnation of New Government

The French political crisis has worsened after the new prime minister unexpectedly quit within moments of forming a cabinet.

Rapid Departure Amid Government Instability

France's latest leader was the third French prime minister in a year-long span, as the nation continued to stumble from one political crisis to another. He resigned hours before his opening government session on the beginning of the workweek. Macron received Lecornu's resignation on the start of the day.

Strong Criticism Regarding Fresh Cabinet

Lecornu had faced furious criticism from rival parties when he presented a new government that was mostly identical since last previous month's ousting of his predecessor, François Bayrou.

The proposed new government was led by Macron's allies, leaving the cabinet largely similar.

Political Criticism

Rival groups said the prime minister had backtracked on the "profound break" with past politics that he had vowed when he came to power from the unfavored previous leader, who was ousted on 9 September over a proposed budget squeeze.

Next Government Course

The uncertainty now is whether the national leader will decide to dissolve parliament and call another snap election.

Jordan Bardella, the president of Marine Le Pen's opposition group, said: "We cannot achieve a return to stability without a return to the ballot box and the national assembly being dissolved."

He added, "It was very clearly the president who chose this cabinet himself. He has misinterpreted of the current circumstances we are in."

Election Calls

The opposition movement has demanded another election, thinking they can expand their seats and influence in the assembly.

The nation has gone through a time of turmoil and political crisis since the president called an inconclusive snap election last year. The assembly remains split between the political factions: the liberal wing, the conservative wing and the centre, with no definitive control.

Budget Deadline

A budget for next year must be approved within weeks, even though parliamentary groups are at odds and his leadership ended in less than a month.

Opposition Motion

Parties from the progressive side to conservative wing were to hold meetings on Monday to decide whether or not to approve to dismiss Lecornu in a no-confidence vote, and it appeared that the cabinet would fall before it had even commenced functioning. Lecornu reportedly decided to step down before he could be dismissed.

Ministerial Appointments

Nearly all of the big government posts announced on Sunday night remained the same, including the justice minister as justice minister and arts and heritage leader as arts department head.

The responsibility of financial affairs leader, which is vital as a fragmented legislature struggles to agree on a budget, went to the president's supporter, a government partner who had earlier worked as economic sector leader at the commencement of his current leadership period.

Surprise Appointment

In a unexpected decision, Bruno Le Maire, a government partner who had served as economic policy head for multiple terms of his presidency, was reappointed to cabinet as national security leader. This infuriated leaders across the various parties, who saw it as a indication that there would be no questioning or change of his corporate-friendly approach.

Jessica Harris
Jessica Harris

A seasoned market analyst with over a decade of experience in trend forecasting and data-driven strategies.