In a twist few saw coming, France’s political chessboard has been reshuffled — and the same player who stepped away just days ago is now back in charge. President Emmanuel Macron has reinstated Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, a mere four days after Lecornu’s sudden resignation shook the nation and set off a whirlwind of speculation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Lecornu himself insisted only two days earlier that he wasn’t chasing the position, declaring his mission "finished." So why the dramatic reversal?
The announcement came late on Friday following intense talks at the Élysée Palace with leaders from most major parties — notably excluding voices from both the far right and far left. Lecornu’s reappointment raises immediate questions, not least because it’s still unclear whether he can successfully assemble a functioning government before facing a looming deadline. By Monday, he must present next year’s budget to parliament — a daunting task that allows no settling-in period.
The Élysée made it clear: Macron has instructed Lecornu to form a government and given him "carte blanche" to act. In a lengthy post on X, Lecornu framed his decision as an act of duty, pledging to secure a budget by year’s end and tackle the everyday struggles facing French citizens. His words carry weight, given that disagreements over cutting the deficit and reducing national debt have toppled two prime ministers in the past year alone. And here lies another potential flashpoint — will his fiscal reforms unite or fracture the already fragile political landscape?
Lecornu didn’t mince words, warning that "no-one will be able to shirk" the responsibility of fixing France’s finances. With just 18 months left in Macron’s presidency, he cautioned that anyone joining his cabinet must set aside personal ambitions — including any aspirations for the top job.
Adding to the uphill battle, Lecornu faces an upcoming confidence vote in a National Assembly where Macron’s party lacks a majority. The president’s approval is at an all-time low, with an Elabe poll showing only 14% support. On the opposition side, far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella — pointedly left out of Friday’s talks — slammed the move as a "bad joke" by a president "isolated and disconnected" from reality. Bardella promised an immediate no-confidence motion against what he calls a doomed coalition formed out of fear of fresh elections.
So the question now is: Is Macron’s daring gamble a stroke of strategic brilliance or a sign of political desperation? Will Lecornu’s comeback prove a stabilizing force or simply prolong the drama? Let’s hear your thoughts — do you see this as a smart move to steady France’s leadership, or just another chapter in an increasingly chaotic term?
