France’s new prime minister has resigned from his post just over a month into his tenure, triggering a deepening political crisis in the nation. Sébastien Lecornu stepped down less than 24 hours after announcing his government and following a brief stint as France’s fourth prime minister in under a year. His departure came amid widespread criticism and an inability to forge consensus, leaving the country in turmoil.
Lecornu, who replaced former prime minister François Bayrou after a confidence vote, stated that conditions no longer allowed him to remain in office. “It would take little for it to work,” he said in his resignation speech. “By being more selfless for many, by knowing how to show humility. One must always put one’s country before one’s party.”
The French presidency confirmed President Emmanuel Macron had accepted Lecornu’s resignation. The abrupt exit has intensified pressure on Macron, with far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen urging him to either call for snap elections or step down. “There is no other solution. The only wise course of action in these circumstances is to return to the polls,” she said. Meanwhile, left-wing groups also called for Macron’s departure, advocating for a revival of a broad coalition.
The resignation sent shockwaves through financial markets, with the CAC-40 index dropping nearly 2% on Friday. Ministers appointed just hours earlier were thrust into an unexpected caretaker role, managing daily affairs without formal installation. The crisis underscores the growing instability in France’s political landscape.
