Sebastien Lecornu officially took office on Wednesday as France’s new prime minister, pledging to work “creatively” with rivals to deliver a debt-cutting budget, even as tens of thousands of protesters demonstrated against President Emmanuel Macron’s government across the country. Lecornu, previously defence minister and a close Macron ally, became the fifth prime minister of Macron’s second term after François Bayrou was ousted in a parliamentary vote over his deficit-reduction plans.
The immediate test for Lecornu will be navigating France’s deeply divided parliament to pass a 2026 budget. France’s deficit, the highest in the euro zone at 5.8% of GDP in 2024, has put heavy pressure on the government to slash spending. While all major parties agree on the need for fiscal restraint, sharp disagreements remain on how to achieve it. The far-right National Rally (RN) has expressed conditional willingness to cooperate if its priorities are addressed, while the left signaled resistance and threatened no-confidence motions unless their demands — including taxing the wealthy — are considered.
Lecornu’s political balancing act is complicated by the fact that he has been viewed as one of Macron’s ministers most open to dialogue with the RN, having met party leader Jordan Bardella previously. Bardella warned after Lecornu’s appointment that the prime minister’s position was “very precarious,” saying the government must either embrace a real rupture in policy or face collapse. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party has left the door open to negotiations but made clear it will oppose the government if it dismisses their proposals.
Macron, who personally called Socialist leader Olivier Faure this week to rule out a left-wing prime minister, is under pressure to show he can maintain control after years of political volatility. Lecornu must present a draft budget to parliament by October 7, with a hard deadline of October 13, raising the stakes for the fragile government. Observers say the challenge will test Macron’s ability to govern with a fractured legislature and dwindling support.
On the streets, public anger was visible as unions and activists staged nationwide “Block Everything” protests. Authorities deployed 80,000 police officers as demonstrators denounced austerity plans and Macron’s leadership, accusing him of ignoring ordinary citizens. “We’re on the fifth prime minister under Macron’s second term, and nothing ever changes,” said Daniel Bretones, a union member protesting in Marseille. The combination of parliamentary gridlock and rising unrest signals turbulent months ahead for France’s embattled leadership.
