French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned Monday after just 26 days in office, making him the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic.
His resignation came barely 14 hours after introducing a new cabinet that immediately drew criticism and failed to secure support in the fragmented National Assembly. This sudden departure has left France’s government in crisis and sent shockwaves through financial markets.
French media quickly noted Lecornu’s historic brevity, surpassing former records and underscoring the country’s ongoing political instability. Lecornu had hoped to bring consensus to the legislature but was immediately confronted by opposition from multiple sides.
What led to Lecornu’s historic resignation?
Lecornu’s appointment was fraught from the start. France’s parliament has been fragmented since snap elections in June 2024 left three rival blocs with no clear majority.
Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, faced fierce resistance from both ends of the political spectrum, with some criticizing his cabinet as too right-leaning and others labeling it not conservative enough.
Within hours of introducing his new government, threats emerged from opposition parties and allies alike to topple Lecornu through a no-confidence motion.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, called for snap elections, while left-wing and centrist factions denounced Lecornu’s approach. Political deadlock made effective leadership impossible, culminating in Lecornu’s record-short resignation.
Did you know?
Sébastien Lecornu’s 26-day tenure is the shortest ever for a French Prime Minister, surpassing Edgar Faure’s previous record of 35 days set in 1952.
How did markets react to Lecornu’s abrupt exit?
The CAC 40 index dropped sharply, losing 2.0% in early trading amid investor anxiety about France’s capacity for stable governance. French banking stocks led the slide, with BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole falling 4%-5%.
The euro weakened by 0.7% to $1.1665 as investors fled French assets, and the spread between French and German 10-year government bonds widened to 85 basis points, suggesting rising fiscal risk perceptions.
Financial analysts cited the political crisis, budget deficits, and uncertainty over future fiscal policy as key drivers of volatility following Lecornu’s exit.
What political challenges plagued Lecornu’s short tenure?
France’s deep legislative divisions remain unresolved. Lecornu’s cabinet announcement came amid controversy, and within hours, leaders opposed him over budget priorities, economic reform, and attempts at coalition-building.
Additional pressure arose from Macron’s failed gamble on early elections last year, which led to a hung parliament and destabilized the government formation process.
Lecornu became the fifth French prime minister to fall in two years, joining a list that includes François Bayrou and Michel Barnier, both of whom were ousted due to budget disputes.
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How does Lecornu’s resignation impact France’s government?
The abrupt resignation leaves Macron scrambling to find a new prime minister who can unite the legislature and pass urgent measures, such as the 2026 budget.
Ongoing disputes over fiscal policy, including a budget deficit currently at 4.7% of GDP, well above EU limits, threaten France’s standing in European markets.
President Macron faces mounting calls from rivals to dissolve the National Assembly and hold new elections, though any path forward risks further instability in France’s political landscape.
What’s next for France after the shortest PM term?
France confronts a period of uncertainty. The president must appoint a new prime minister amid pressure for fresh elections and complex negotiations with divided parliamentary blocs.
Economic pressures, particularly the need for budgetary reform and the passage of spending plans, add urgency.
Observers warn that political gridlock could continue to slow France’s economic recovery unless a new consensus can be forged.
The Lecornu episode highlights the challenges facing the government as it seeks stability amid financial and legislative turmoil.
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