PARIS (AP) — French President Macron late Tuesday appointed Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu as France’s new prime minister and tasked him with immediately trying to get the country’s fractious political parties to agree on a budget for one of the world’s biggest economies.
Lecornu, 39, was the youngest defense minister in French history and architect of a major military buildup through 2030, spurred by Russia’s war in Ukraine. A longtime Macron loyalist, Lecornu is now France’s fourth prime minister in barely a year.
A former conservative who joined Macron’s centrist movement in 2017, Lecornu has held posts in local governments and overseas territories. His rise reflects Macron’s instinct to reward loyalty, but also the need for continuity as repeated budget showdowns have toppled his predecessors and left France in drift.
His appointment comes ahead of a planned day of mass disruption by the protest movement titled ‘Block Everything,’ leading the government to deploy an exceptional 80,000 police to maintain order.
Legislators toppled Lecornu’s predecessor Francois Bayrou and his government in a confidence vote on Monday, creating a new crisis for Europe’s second-largest economy. Bayrou had advocated for slashing public spending to address France’s vast debts; however, lawmakers united to assert opposition against the 74-year-old centrist.
This change in leadership signals renewed uncertainty and the risk of prolonged legislative deadlock as France grapples with pressing challenges, including economic difficulty and global conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Drafting a budget is a top concern for Lecornu, and Macron has instructed him to consult with all political parties first before forming a new government. This aligns with the goal of securing France's political stability and unity amidst ongoing challenges.
When the yellow vest protests erupted, Lecornu orchestrated the nationwide ‘great debate’ aimed at alleviating tensions. His significant defense spending package for 2024-2030 aims to modernize France's military capabilities significantly.
