On 8 October, former French PM Sebastien Lecornu resigned after 27 days, as Parliament resists dissolution amid a budget deadlock, signalling a potential political shift.
Lecornu Resigns After 27-Day Term
On Wednesday 8 October, Sebastian Lecornu stepped down as France’s interim prime minister after serving for 27 days. He cited lack of willingness among parties to reach compromises as the reason for his departure.
Earlier attempts at forming governments under Michel Barnier and François Bayrou also failed to gain parliamentary approval, illustrating the persistent difficulties in assembling a stable coalition.
Parliament Holds Back Dissolution
Lecornu informed President Emmanuel Macron that most members of Parliament do not support dissolving the legislature or holding new elections.
He told the president that the prospect of dissolving the government is decreasing and that a new prime minister could be appointed within the next 48 hours.
Government Faced with Budget Deadlock
CNBC reports that politicians struggled to agree on the state budget, particularly on spending cuts and tax increases deemed essential to curb France’s 5.8 % GDP deficit in 2024.
These fiscal tensions have exacerbated the fragmentation of political alliances, undermining the stability of any potential governing coalition.
Macron’s Early Election Sparks Fragmentation
In the summer of 2024, President Macron called for early parliamentary elections after the right‑wing National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, won the European Parliament vote.
The resulting legislature now divides into three main blocs—left, centre, and far‑right—making it difficult for Macron’s centrist alliance to secure cooperation from other parties.
