In a surprise move late on Friday, October 10, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, just four days after his resignation. The decision follows a week of political upheaval in Paris, as Macron scrambles to stabilize his administration and push through a critical national budget before Monday’s deadline.
A Return Born of Crisis
Lecornu’s reinstatement came after Macron met with leaders of France’s main political parties at the Élysée Palace, though notably excluding the far right and far left. Despite publicly declaring earlier this week that his “mission is over,” Lecornu accepted the president’s request “out of duty.”
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Lecornu pledged to “provide France with a budget by the end of the year” and “respond to the everyday problems of our compatriots.” The 39-year-old — one of Macron’s most loyal allies — described himself as a “soldier-monk” committed to restoring order and fiscal discipline.
An Uphill Battle
The challenge facing Lecornu is immense. France’s public debt stands at nearly 114% of GDP, among the highest in the eurozone, and its budget deficit is projected to hit 5.4% of GDP this year. Two of the past three prime ministers have fallen over disagreements on how to balance the budget — a fate Lecornu will be desperate to avoid.
He will also face an early vote of confidence in a National Assembly where Macron’s centrist alliance no longer holds a majority. According to an Elabe poll, Macron’s approval rating has dropped to a record low of 14%, while the far-right National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, dominates opinion polls.
Bardella condemned Lecornu’s reappointment as “a bad joke,” vowing to immediately table a no-confidence motion, and accusing the president of being “isolated and disconnected at the Élysée.”
Political Fractures and Fiscal Firefights
Lecornu’s first government collapsed in September after conservative Republican leader Bruno Retailleau denounced one of his ministerial picks, deepening divisions between centrists and conservatives. Retailleau has since ruled out participating in “Lecornu II,” calling Macron’s centrist-conservative alliance “dead.”
To secure support, Lecornu is now courting elements of the left, with the Élysée signaling potential delays to parts of Macron’s controversial 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. But that move risks alienating centrist allies without satisfying left-wing parties.
Socialist leader Olivier Faure said his party would not back Lecornu “without guarantees,” while Communist leader Fabien Roussel insisted that the French people “will not accept another centrist government.” Green Party chief Marine Tondelier called the talks “stunningly empty,” warning that “all of this is going to turn out very badly.”
Economic Concerns Mount
France’s central bank governor, François Villeroy de Galhau, warned that the ongoing political chaos could further weaken growth. The Bank of France expects GDP growth of 0.7% in 2025, but estimates that uncertainty has already cost the country an additional 0.2% in lost growth.
“Like many in France, I’ve had enough of this mess,” Villeroy told RTL radio, urging leaders to embrace “compromise and coalition-building.”
What’s Next
Lecornu has until Monday, October 13, to present a viable 2026 budget plan to Parliament. Failure to secure majority backing could trigger another wave of instability — or even fresh elections — deepening France’s political and economic woes.
As Macron’s presidency enters its final 18 months, Lecornu’s reappointment represents both a gamble and a last attempt at restoring authority within a divided France.
