French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu as the new prime minister, a move that signals his commitment to continuing with his pro-business economic reform agenda. Lecornu, a loyalist of Macron and former conservative supporter, will lead a minority government focusing on business tax cuts and raising the retirement age.
In an unexpected move, Macron instructed Lecornu to engage in discussions with all political factions in parliament to seek compromises on budget and policy matters before finalizing the cabinet selection. This approach deviates from traditional French political practices.
The decision to name Lecornu as prime minister has drawn criticism from the centre-left Socialist Party, with lawmaker Philippe Brun describing it as disrespectful to parliament and suggesting it reflects the end of Macron’s leadership. The government now relies on support from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party for legislative backing.
Despite initial backlash, Nationalist Leader Marine Le Pen expressed concerns about Macron’s actions, labeling it as the final act of his presidency. However, her party member Jordan Bardella hinted at potential collaboration with Lecornu, emphasizing the need to assess his performance objectively while maintaining certain principles.
Lecornu’s immediate focus will be on building a consensus on the 2026 budget, a task that proved challenging for his predecessor due to fiscal constraints. The political instability in France highlights the country’s economic struggles and growing debt crisis.
Macron’s choice of a prime minister with a conservative background reflects his determination to uphold his economic policies, which have faced opposition from left-wing parties. The appointment of Lecornu underscores Macron’s commitment to sustaining his economic vision and attracting investment.
Having been actively involved in politics from a young age, Lecornu’s career trajectory has seen him evolve from a supporter of Nicolas Sarkozy to a key figure in Macron’s administration. By selecting a minister aligned with his ideology, Macron aims to safeguard his economic agenda amidst calls for policy revisions.
The potential collaboration between Lecornu and the National Rally party underscores the complex dynamics of French politics and the importance of maintaining strategic alliances. As France navigates through political challenges, the new prime minister’s ability to navigate differing ideologies and secure budgetary agreements will be crucial.