Paris, France– Amidst political turmoil, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sebastien Lecornu, his defence minister and close ally, as the new prime minister, following the resignation of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou after losing a confidence vote.

Lecornu, 39, faces significant challenges, including resolving a deepening political crisis and addressing the country’s substantial debt crisis.

“The President of the Republic has entrusted me with the task of building a government with a clear direction: the defence of our independence and power, the service of the French people, and political and institutional stability for the unity of the country,” Lecornu stated.

Bayrou’s Resignation and the Budget Crisis
Bayrou’s downfall was triggered by his proposed $51 billion in budget cuts to address France’s debt crisis.

The unpopular 44-billion-euro deficit-reduction plan, which included freezing most welfare spending and scrapping two public holidays, was widely rejected by parliamentarians.

Before the vote, Bayrou warned lawmakers, “you have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality. Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly.”
France’s budget deficit is nearly 169 billion euros ($198 billion), or 5.8 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), exceeding the 3 percent limit set by the European Union for countries using the euro. Investors are concerned that France’s persistent deficits will lead to higher debt ratios and undermine its credit score. Macron’s decision to choose Lecornu indicates his intention to continue with a minority government supporting his pro-business economic reform agenda.

France’s budget deficit is nearly 169 billion euros ($198 billion), or 5.8 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), exceeding the 3 percent limit set by the European Union for countries using the euro.

Investors are concerned that France’s persistent deficits will lead to higher debt ratios and undermine its credit score. Macron’s decision to choose Lecornu indicates his intention to continue with a minority government supporting his pro-business economic reform agenda.

The appointment of Lecornu, a one-time conservative, risks alienating France’s centre-left Socialist Party, leaving Macron’s government dependent on Marine Le Pen and the far-right National Rally for support in parliament.

“Regardless of Sebastien Lecornu’s personal qualities, his nomination is a slap in the face of parliament,” Philippe Brun, the Socialist lawmaker in charge of budget negotiations, told Reuters.

However, Jordan Bardella, seen as Le Pen’s protege, seemed willing to give Lecornu a chance, stating, “we will judge, without illusion, the new prime minister on his merits,” while adding that the party still kept strict “red lines”.

The appointment of Lecornu, a one-time conservative, risks alienating France’s centre-left Socialist Party, leaving Macron’s government dependent on Marine Le Pen and the far-right National Rally for support in parliament.

“Regardless of Sebastien Lecornu’s personal qualities, his nomination is a slap in the face of parliament,” Philippe Brun, the Socialist lawmaker in charge of budget negotiations, told Reuters.

However, Jordan Bardella, seen as Le Pen’s protege, seemed willing to give Lecornu a chance, stating, “We will judge, without illusion, the new prime minister on his merits,” while adding that the party still kept strict “red lines”.

As Macron grapples with the collapse of his fourth government in less than two years, French citizens are planning to take to the streets in “Block Everything” protests, threatening widespread disruption.

“The public authorities and the government have betrayed us so much that I’m not sure they can really meet the expectations of the people,” Louise Nechin, a left-wing activist in Paris, told newsmen.

The protests draw comparisons with 2018’s “yellow vest” demonstrations, which began over planned hikes in diesel taxes and widened into an uprising against Macron’s policies.

The appointment of Sebastien Lecornu as the new prime minister of France marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing political turmoil.

As Lecornu navigates the complex web of French politics, he will need to address the country’s substantial debt crisis and work towards finding a solution to the ongoing protests.

The success of his government will depend on its ability to balance the competing demands of various political groups and address the concerns of the French people.

With the country’s economic challenges and potential for further instability, the road ahead for Lecornu and Macron’s government will be fraught with difficulty.