French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, just days after accepting his dramatic resignation. Lecornu, who previously stepped down after his government collapsed within 14 hours, said he returned to the role “out of duty” and pledged to stabilize the country and deliver a national budget before year’s end.
The move highlights the deepening political crisis in France, where Macron’s centrist administration continues to face fierce opposition and a divided parliament. Macron’s decision to reinstall Lecornu was intended to restore stability, but critics across the political spectrum have labeled the reappointment as tone-deaf. Far-right leader Jordan Bardella called it a “bad joke” and vowed to support a no-confidence vote, while Green Party head Marine Tondelier described it as “incredible.”
Despite mounting criticism, members of Macron’s Renaissance party defended the decision as a necessary step toward governance continuity. Lecornu, 39, now faces the immediate challenge of forming a new cabinet and presenting a 2026 budget to parliament amid France’s fractured political climate. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could dampen business confidence and economic growth, adding pressure on Macron’s government to deliver swift results.