Macron reappoints former prime minister Lecornu amid political turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, just days after his resignation, in a bid to restore stability and push through the 2026 budget amid a divided parliament.

The decision, announced on Friday, comes as France faces its worst political crisis in decades. Macron, 47, resisted calls from rivals to dissolve parliament or resign, instead choosing to reinstate his loyal ally.

Lecornu’s immediate challenge is to present a new budget to parliament by Monday. In a statement on X, he said he accepted the mission “out of duty” and vowed to “do everything possible to ensure France has a budget by year’s end and to address the daily concerns of citizens.”

He urged an end to the political deadlock that has frustrated voters and damaged France’s image abroad.

Earlier in the day, Macron met with mainstream party leaders to seek support for his decision, but left-wing parties reacted angrily, saying he ignored their calls for broader representation. The rejection from opposition blocs signals Macron’s new government could face the same instability that has plagued his previous ones.

Another collapse could force Macron to call a snap election—an outcome analysts say would likely benefit the far-right National Rally (RN).

France’s ongoing political unrest has weakened economic growth and unsettled markets. The stalemate stems largely from Macron’s decision to hold legislative elections last year, which resulted in a fragmented parliament divided among three ideological camps.

Budget negotiations remain contentious, with the left demanding the repeal of pension reforms that raised the retirement age, while conservatives resist tax hikes. Macron reportedly offered to delay the retirement age increase until 2028, but Green Party leader Marine Tondelier dismissed the concession as inadequate.

The central bank warned that continued instability could cut 0.2 percentage points from France’s GDP. Bank governor François Villeroy de Galhau described uncertainty as “the number one enemy of growth.”

France’s budget deficit is projected to reach 5.4% of GDP this year—nearly double the EU’s limit—and officials hope to reduce it to below 4.8% by 2026.

Macron has already lost three prime ministers over failed budget negotiations in the past year, highlighting the deep divisions within French politics. Lecornu’s return now represents Macron’s latest attempt to restore order before the crisis deepens further.