French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has vowed to form a stable and non-partisan government after being dramatically reinstated by President Emmanuel Macron, just days after his resignation triggered the collapse of a 14-hour-old administration. The move, reported by foreign media, has stirred sharp reactions across France’s political spectrum amid growing pressure to restore stability and address the country’s deepening fiscal crisis.
Lecornu seeks to move beyond party divisions
In his first public appearance since returning to office, Lecornu visited a police station south of Paris on Saturday, October 11, and pledged to focus on governance rather than political infighting. “I will do my duty and I will not be a problem,” he said, stressing that his new cabinet “must not be hostage to partisan interests.”
The 39-year-old leader now faces the urgent task of assembling a cabinet capable of presenting the 2026 draft budget to parliament on Monday. His reinstatement aims to end months of political paralysis and ensure that France meets European Union commitments to reduce its swelling debt and deficit.
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Opposition slams reinstatement as ‘bad joke’
Lecornu’s comeback has drawn criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella dismissed the reappointment as a “bad joke” and vowed to initiate a motion of no confidence at the earliest opportunity.
The conservative Les Républicains party, led by outgoing interior minister Bruno Retailleau, has also refused to join Lecornu’s cabinet. However, senior members have indicated they may support some government proposals in parliament if they align with party priorities.
On the left, the Socialist Party maintained that it had “no deal” with Lecornu, warning it would move to topple the government unless he agreed to suspend the controversial 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Budget deadline adds to mounting pressure
France has been in political deadlock since Macron’s failed gamble on snap elections last year, which produced a hung parliament and boosted far-right representation. The country is also under increasing pressure from the EU to cut spending and bring its public deficit back in line with bloc rules.
Lecornu has promised to make restoring fiscal balance his top priority, saying he would do “everything possible” to deliver a credible budget by the end of the year. Under the French Constitution, parliament must have 70 days to scrutinise the budget before year-end, leaving little time for negotiation.
