France has entered another turbulent political chapter as President Emmanuel Macron appointed former defense minister Sébastien Lecornu as the country’s new prime minister. At just 39 years old, Lecornu steps into the role following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government after losing a parliamentary confidence vote.
This appointment makes Lecornu the latest in a rapid succession of prime ministers under Macron’s presidency, reflecting the deep fractures within France’s political landscape. Macron described him as a loyal and capable ally, charging him with the urgent task of restoring stability and ensuring that the 2026 budget passes through a divided parliament.
Reactions were sharply polarized. Opposition figures from the far right called the appointment a desperate move by Macron, while the far left criticized it as detached from social and economic realities. Some conservatives acknowledged Lecornu’s experience in handling crises but warned that his loyalty to Macron might make compromise difficult.
The appointment comes as public anger swells. A new “Block Everything” movement, reminiscent of the Yellow Vest protests of 2018, is already mobilizing mass demonstrations, transport strikes, and school blockades. Authorities have announced the deployment of more than 80,000 police officers to manage the unrest.
Despite domestic upheaval, Macron’s administration has emphasized continuity in foreign policy. France’s minister for European affairs confirmed that military aid to Ukraine will continue without interruption, underscoring the president’s commitment to supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression even as tensions rise at home.
Lecornu now faces a daunting challenge: bridging political divides, addressing public frustration, and stabilizing Macron’s fragile presidency. Whether he can restore calm and deliver on key reforms will define both his own career and Macron’s legacy.
