France’s new prime minister has resigned from his post just one month after taking office, triggering a severe political crisis. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stepped down less than 24 hours after naming his government, leaving the country in turmoil. His departure followed a brief tenure that began after he replaced former prime minister François Bayrou, who was ousted following a confidence vote.
Lecornu cited an inability to build consensus as the reason for his resignation, stating, “It would take little for it to work… by being more selfless and showing humility.” The French presidency confirmed President Emmanuel Macron had accepted his resignation. Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, became France’s fourth prime minister in under a year.
The resignation sparked immediate reactions from political factions. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen demanded Macron either call for new snap elections or resign, declaring, “There is no other solution. The only wise course of action in these circumstances is to return to the polls.” Meanwhile, leftist groups called for Macron’s departure and urged a revival of a coalition spanning leftists, socialists, greens, and communists.
The financial market reacted sharply, with the CAC-40 index dropping nearly 2% as investors expressed concern. Ministers appointed just days earlier were left in limbo, serving as caretakers until a new government is formed. The rapid turnover underscores the deepening instability within France’s political landscape.