France has been thrown into fresh political turmoil after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu dramatically resigned less than a month after taking office, in a shock move that has left President Emmanuel Macron scrambling to steady his government.
The Elysée Palace confirmed on Monday that Macron had accepted Lecornu’s resignation, marking one of the shortest premierships in modern French history.
Lecornu, 38, had only been appointed in early September, following a turbulent reshuffle aimed at reviving Macron’s flagging leadership and calming growing unrest over domestic policy and foreign affairs.
His sudden departure has sent shockwaves through the French political establishment, sparking speculation over internal rifts, mounting pressure within the cabinet, and wider dissatisfaction among Macron’s allies.
While the Elysée has not provided details on the reasons behind Lecornu’s decision, French media outlets have reported increasing tension between the prime minister’s team and senior figures in the president’s office particularly over economic reforms and France’s role in European security policy.
Political analysts say the resignation deals a serious blow to Macron, who was relying on Lecornu’s youthful image and steady reputation to help rebuild public trust after a string of protests, declining approval ratings, and growing opposition in parliament.
Lecornu, a former defence minister, was considered one of Macron’s most loyal allies and a skilled political operator. His unexpected exit now raises urgent questions over who will take the helm, and whether the president can maintain control of his centrist coalition in the months ahead.
With France already facing economic strain, farmer unrest, and pressure over its global commitments, the timing could hardly be worse. Macron is expected to announce an interim replacement within days as speculation mounts over possible successors.
The abrupt resignation underscores the increasingly fragile nature of French politics under Macron’s presidency, and sets the stage for yet another high-stakes reshuffle in the heart of Europe.
