French President Emmanuel Macron has reinstated Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, just days after accepting his resignation following the sudden collapse of his short-lived government.
In a statement released Friday, the French government announced: “The President of the Republic has named Mr. Sébastien Lecornu Prime Minister and charged him with forming a government.”
Taking to X, Lecornu acknowledged France’s deep political divisions and pledged to restore order and stability. “We must put an end to this political crisis that is exasperating the French people and to this instability that is detrimental to France’s image and its interests,” he wrote.
Lecornu, initially viewed as a surprise choice for the role, unveiled his first cabinet on Sunday, but it was met with fierce criticism — including from within his own camp. By Monday morning, he had resigned, and Macron accepted his decision. However, in a surprising turnaround, the president later asked him to lead talks with opposition parties to find a replacement.
After two tense days of political negotiations, Macron decided to reappoint Lecornu. The move adds to a string of government reshuffles that have come to define Macron’s presidency, marked by growing divisions and instability in parliament.
Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella condemned the reappointment, calling it “a bad joke, a democratic disgrace, and a humiliation for the French people.” His party’s figurehead, Marine Le Pen, also demanded new elections, saying Lecornu’s return shows “Macron’s contempt for voters.”
From the far left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon mocked the decision, writing, “Macron can do nothing other than Macron.”
The reappointment comes as France battles a budget crisis and growing comparisons to Italy’s long history of unstable governments.
Determined to avoid further turmoil, Lecornu promised to make his new government more inclusive and to allow open parliamentary debates on issues raised during consultations with party leaders.
He also set a new condition for those joining his cabinet — they must renounce any presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 race. “All ambitions are legitimate and useful,” he wrote, “but those who join the government must commit to disengaging themselves from the presidential ambitions for 2027.”
The clause could exclude several prominent figures, including right-wing heavyweight Bruno Retailleau and other likely presidential contenders. Lecornu’s earlier cabinet was widely criticised for being filled with Macron loyalists, despite promises of political renewal.
Headline: Macron Reappoints Lecornu As Prime Minister Days After Accepting His Resignation