France’s Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has resigned just hours after unveiling his new cabinet, plunging President Emmanuel Macron’s government into fresh political uncertainty.
The Elysée Palace confirmed Lecornu’s resignation on Monday following a one-hour closed-door meeting with President Macron.
Lecornu, who took office less than a month ago to replace François Bayrou, faced mounting backlash over his cabinet’s composition.
Critics across party lines in the National Assembly accused him of recycling Bayrou’s ministers rather than introducing new faces to represent a broader coalition.
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Several opposition parties had threatened to reject the cabinet, calling it a “continuation of old politics” and a “betrayal of reform promises.”
Political observers say Lecornu’s abrupt resignation marks a major setback for Macron, who is struggling to maintain stability within his administration amid growing discontent from both the left and right.
As of press time, the Elysée has not announced a replacement, but sources suggest Macron may act swiftly to appoint a new premier in an attempt to calm political tensions.