Sébastien Lecornu resigns after 27 days as prime minister
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu submitted his resignation to Emmanuel Macron on October 6, less than 24 hours after announcing his government. Appointed 27 days ago, he becomes the shortest-serving head of government in the Fifth Republic. Macron has tasked him with final negotiations until Wednesday evening to define a platform for stability.
Sébastien Lecornu, appointed prime minister on September 9, 2025, formed his government on Sunday, October 5, reappointing 12 ministers from François Bayrou's previous executive. New faces included Bruno Le Maire at Defense and Éric Woerth at Housing. However, immediate criticism arose from the right and opposition, particularly from Bruno Retailleau (LR), who denounced a lack of 'rupture' and a 'trust issue' after learning of Le Maire's appointment.
Lecornu justified his resignation by stating that 'the conditions were no longer met' to govern, citing parties' refusal to recognize the break symbolized by forgoing Article 49.3, rigid postures, and 'partisan appetites' linked to the 2027 presidential election. 'One cannot be prime minister when the conditions are not met,' he declared in front of Matignon.
Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation but tasked Lecornu with 'final negotiations' by Wednesday evening for a 'platform of action and stability.' In case of failure, the president will 'take his responsibilities,' hinting at dissolution. Lecornu does not wish to be reappointed, even if successful.
Reactions abound: The RN, via Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, demands dissolution, calling it a 'regime crisis.' The PS and Greens, through Boris Vallaud and Pierre Jouvet, call for a left-wing prime minister. Gabriel Attal (Renaissance) expresses incomprehension of Macron's decisions. Markets react: The CAC 40 falls nearly 2%.
This crisis extends the instability since the 2024 legislative elections, threatening the 2026 budget and highlighting divisions in the 'common base' between Macronists and LR.