Macron appoints “Lecornu” as new PM

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu, a loyalist and former Defense Minister, as the new Prime Minister, marking a significant step in his administration's pro-business reform agenda amid increasing political instability. Lecornu, who previously supported Macron's 2017 presidential campaign and managed his successful re-election in 2022, replaces François Bayrou, who was ousted following a vote of no confidence related to contentious budget proposals. This appointment is Macron's fifth prime ministerial change in less than two years.

Lecornu's political roots lie in traditional conservatism, having started as a protégé of former President Nicolas Sarkozy before transitioning to Macron's centrist movement. His recent role involved overseeing a €413 billion military modernization plan in response to security concerns stemming from the Ukraine conflict. However, Macron's choice to elevate a trusted ally rather than engage with left-wing factions risks alienating the center-left Socialist Party and could lead to increased reliance on the far-right National Rally for parliamentary support.

In reaction to the political landscape, the hard-left party France Unbowed has announced plans to file a motion of no confidence against Lecornu. Meanwhile, the National Rally has indicated a willingness to cooperate on the 2026 budget, despite existing disagreements over fiscal and immigration policies. Lecornu's immediate challenge will be to navigate cross-party negotiations to secure support for the national budget, a crucial step before forming his cabinet.

The political crisis has sparked a protest movement called "Block Everything," which has gained traction among various groups, reflecting widespread social anger and distrust in political institutions. Analysts suggest that this movement highlights a crisis of representative democracy in France, with calls for greater wealth redistribution and social justice resonating among the populace. As protests mobilize across the country, Macron's administration faces mounting pressure to maintain its reform trajectory while addressing the growing public discontent.