France's Lecornu Resigns, Then Reappointed to Form Government

Paris — France's political crisis deepened this week after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned on Monday less than a day after unveiling a new cabinet, then was reappointed by President Emmanuel Macron on Friday and tasked with forming a government and delivering a draft 2026 budget on an urgent timetable.

Lecornu, a 39‑year‑old ally of Macron appointed on September 9, stepped down after his ministerial list drew criticism from both coalition partners and opposition parties. He told reporters he had offered his resignation because "the conditions were not properly fulfilled" to govern, blaming an unwillingness among parties to compromise and warning that he could not continue if those conditions did not change. After Macron asked him to continue consultations for 48 hours, the presidency announced his reappointment late Friday and gave him a fresh mandate to put a budget before parliament.

The crisis highlights the paralysis in a hung National Assembly created when Macron dissolved parliament in June 2024. No single bloc commands a majority: the right‑wing National Rally holds about 138 seats, Macron's Ensemble coalition roughly 91, La France Insoumise about 71, the...