France's PM Quits After Barely Three Weeks Amid Broad Criticism of New Cabinet

France's political crisis has intensified after the recently appointed premier suddenly stepped down within hours of forming a cabinet.

Rapid Exit During Government Turmoil

France's latest leader was the third premier in a year-long span, as the republic continued to move from one political crisis to another. He quit hours before his opening government session on Monday afternoon. France's leader accepted Lecornu's resignation on the beginning of Monday.

Intense Backlash Regarding New Cabinet

The prime minister had faced intense backlash from rival parties when he presented a fresh cabinet that was largely similar since last previous month's removal of his predecessor, the previous prime minister.

The proposed new government was dominated by President Emmanuel Macron's supporters, leaving the cabinet mostly identical.

Political Response

Opposition parties said Lecornu had reversed on the "significant change" with past politics that he had promised when he took over from the disliked Bayrou, who was ousted on 9 September over a proposed budget squeeze.

Next Government Course

The question now is whether the head of state will decide to dissolve parliament and call another sudden poll.

The National Rally president, the leader of the opposition figure's opposition group, said: "We cannot achieve a reestablishment of order without a return to the ballot box and the national assembly being dissolved."

He continued, "Evidently the president who chose this government himself. He has understood nothing of the present conditions we are in."

Vote Calls

The opposition movement has advocated for another vote, believing they can expand their seats and influence in the legislature.

The country has gone through a period of turmoil and parliamentary deadlock since the president called an unclear early vote last year. The assembly remains divided between the political factions: the progressive side, the conservative wing and the centre, with no definitive control.

Financial Pressure

A budget for next year must be approved within a short time, even though political parties are at odds and Lecornu's tenure ended in under four weeks.

Opposition Vote

Factions from the progressive side to conservative wing were to hold meetings on the start of the week to decide whether or not to vote to oust Lecornu in a no-confidence vote, and it appeared that the government would collapse before it had even started work. The prime minister reportedly decided to resign before he could be ousted.

Cabinet Appointments

Nearly all of the big government posts revealed on the previous evening remained the unchanged, including Gérald Darmanin as legal affairs leader and Rachida Dati as cultural affairs leader.

The position of economy minister, which is vital as a fragmented legislature struggles to agree on a financial plan, went to the president's supporter, a government partner who had formerly acted as economic sector leader at the commencement of Macron's second term.

Surprise Appointment

In a shocking development, the president's political partner, a presidential supporter who had worked as economic policy head for multiple terms of his term, was reappointed to cabinet as defence minister. This enraged officials across the political divide, who saw it as a indication that there would be no challenging or modification of the president's economic policies.

Megan Ford
Megan Ford

A passionate environmental scientist and writer dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions and educating communities on sustainable living.