Paris: France's reappointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized on Saturday that his upcoming cabinet must remain independent of political party influences as he confronts an escalating political crisis. Lecornu, who returned to his position shortly after resigning, faces a pressing deadline to submit a 2026 budget bill by Monday in an effort to persuade a divided parliament.
According to France24.com, Lecornu's reinstatement by President Emmanuel Macron on Friday evening, just four days after his resignation and the rapid collapse of a short-lived government, has been met with significant criticism. At 39, Lecornu is now tasked with assembling a cabinet to present the 2026 draft budget, aiming to resolve prolonged political paralysis and manage France's extensive debt.
The right-wing Les Républicains (LR) party, led by outgoing interior minister Bruno Retailleau, has stated it will not participate in Lecornu's new government. However, senior LR lawmakers have indicated potential support for the cabinet in parliament without direct involvement. Meanwhile, the Socialists have declared there is "no deal" with Lecornu and have threatened to dissolve his government unless he agrees to halt a 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
France has experienced political stalemate since Macron's unsuccessful gamble on snap elections last year, which resulted in a hung parliament and increased representation for the far right. The country is under pressure from the EU to address its deficit and debt, with fiscal austerity measures having previously toppled Lecornu's predecessors.
Lecornu has committed to doing "everything possible" to ensure France has a budget by the year's end, prioritizing the restoration of public finances. However, time is limited for parliament to fulfill the constitutionally required 70-day review period before the year's conclusion.
Macron, grappling with the most severe domestic crisis since his presidency began in 2017, has yet to publicly address the situation following Lecornu's initial government's collapse.
Lecornu, a loyalist to Macron and former defence minister, agreed to remain for an additional two days post-resignation to engage with all political parties. He shared with French television on Wednesday his belief that a revised 2026 budget draft could be submitted by Monday, meeting the required deadline for approval by year-end.
On Friday, Lecornu cautioned that any individuals wishing to join his government "must commit to setting aside presidential ambitions" for the 2027 elections. In a surprising development, former premier Édouard Philippe, a potential candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections, suggested earlier this week that Macron should resign after passing a budget. Macron, however, has consistently stated his intention to serve his full term.
The far-right National Rally is optimistic about its strongest opportunity to gain power in the 2027 presidential vote, with Macron having completed two terms. Although Marine Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate, is barred from running due to a corruption conviction, her 30-year-old deputy Bardella could potentially run instead.
Criticism arose from Lecornu's proposed list of ministers last Sunday, with concerns that it did not signify a sufficient departure from previous administrations. Lecornu later suggested on Wednesday that the new cabinet should include technocrats.