The French PM Sébastien Lecornu Steps Down Following Less Than a 30-Day Period in the Role
France's Prime Minister Lecornu has resigned, under 24 hours after his government team was announced.
The Elysée palace made the announcement after Lecornu met President Emmanuel Macron for an 60-minute discussion on Monday morning.
This shock move comes only 26 days after Lecornu was named premier following the collapse of the prior administration of his predecessor.
Political factions in the legislature had fiercely criticised the composition of the new government, which was mostly similar to Bayrou's, and threatened to vote it down.
Demands for Early Elections and Government Unrest
Multiple political groups are now calling for a snap election, with some demanding Macron to also leave office - although he has always said he will not leave before his time in office finishes in five years from now.
"Macron needs to choose: dissolution of parliament or resignation," said Chenu, one of leading figures of the National Rally.
The outgoing PM - the ex-defense chief and a supporter of Macron - was the fifth French PM in less than 24 months.
Background of Political Crisis
France's political landscape has been very volatile since July 2024, when early legislative polls resulted in a hung parliament.
This has posed obstacles for every premier to garner the necessary support to pass any bills.
Bayrou's government was rejected in last month after the assembly refused to back his fiscal tightening package, which aimed to cut state costs by €44bn.
Financial Challenges and Market Reaction
France's deficit hit 5.8% of GDP in 2024 and its government debt is 114 percent of GDP.
That is the third largest government debt in the eurozone after Greece and Italy, and equivalent to almost €50,000 per French citizen.
Stocks fell sharply in the French stock market after the resignation report broke on the start of the week.
