Sebastien Lecornu, France’s new prime minister, tendered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, October 6, amid criticism over his short‑lived cabinet.
Lecornu Resigns as Prime Minister
French media reported on Monday, 6 October, that Sebastien Lecornu had submitted his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it immediately. He was due to give a speech about it that same Monday. Lecornu served only 27 days, making him the shortest‑serving French prime minister. His cabinet lasted roughly eleven hours. He also governed for 26 days without a formal cabinet and never released a general political statement.
Criticism Swirls Around New Cabinet
The new government faced a potential vote of no confidence immediately after its formation on 5 October. After more than three weeks of negotiations, Lecornu revealed a cabinet co‑sponsored by centrists and centre‑right figures, adding only seven new faces to its 18‑member lineup and leaving most key ministries unchanged. The composition sparked a wave of skeptical and critical commentary. The opposition warned of a no‑confidence motion, and even cabinet insiders expressed discontent. Centre‑right minister‑secretary Bruno Retailleau called for an emergency party‑leader meeting, arguing the ministers list did not reflect the promised policy shift.
Lecornu’s Brief Tenure Begins
On 10 September, just hours after François Bayrou’s resignation, President of France appointed his trusted former defence minister, Sebastien Lecornu, as prime minister. Observers then said the new centre‑leaning leader had little chance to resolve France’s half‑a‑year‑old budgetary and political crisis. Many saw Lecornu’s nomination as President Macron’s last move to shield himself from premature elections that could have weakened his political camp.
