French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally and loyalist, as France’s new prime minister, defying expectations that he might shift towards the left. The 39-year-old, once a conservative protégé who backed Macron’s 2017 presidential run, was chosen to lead the government as the president doubles down on his pro-business reform agenda.
Lecornu’s appointment reflects Macron’s determination to push forward with policies that have included cutting taxes on businesses and the wealthy while raising the retirement age. In an unusual move, the president’s office revealed that Macron instructed Lecornu to hold talks with all political forces in parliament to seek compromises on the budget and other key policies before announcing his cabinet.
“The President of the Republic has entrusted me with the task of building a government with a clear direction: the defense of our independence and our power, the service of the French people, and political and institutional stability,” Lecornu posted on X. “I wish to thank him for the confidence he has shown me by appointing me Prime Minister.”
Lecornu becomes Macron’s fifth prime minister in less than two years following the ouster of François Bayrou on Monday. Bayrou was removed after parliament, deeply divided among three opposing ideological camps, rejected his plan to address France’s ballooning debt.
However, Macron’s decision to appoint a staunch loyalist has sparked criticism, with opponents accusing him of ignoring growing public discontent. Left-wing parties reacted angrily to Lecornu’s appointment, calling for nationwide “Block Everything” protests on Wednesday to express dissatisfaction with Macron’s leadership.
The hard-left France Unbowed party announced it would file a motion of no confidence against Lecornu. Still, the move faces slim chances of success after Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, signalled a tentative willingness to work with Lecornu on the budget — at least for now.
“We will judge — without illusion — the new Prime Minister on his merits, on his actions, on his policies for providing France with a budget, and this in light of our red lines,” Bardella posted on X.
The RN has emphasised its opposition to tax hikes on “hard-working people” and is pushing for stricter immigration controls, reduced civil service spending, and cuts to France’s contributions to the European Union. Lecornu, who has previously met privately with RN leaders Marine Le Pen and Bardella, may now find himself navigating a fragile political balance as he seeks to stabilise Macron’s embattled government.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
About the Author
