New French Prime Minister Lecornu Vows “Break” as He Faces Parliamentary Hurdles
Paris – Sébastien Lecornu, 39, was appointed FranceS fifth prime minister of the current legislature today, inheriting a deeply fractured political landscape and facing an uphill battle for parliamentary support. The appointment, made by President emmanuel Macron, comes after recent legislative elections saw gains by the left, yet Lecornu was chosen without securing guarantees of backing from the National Assembly.
Lecornu’s inauguration speech signaled a departure from previous administrations, stating, “We will have to break, not only in form but also in the background. We will have to change, be more creative. Less technical.” This suggests a willingness to consider concessions as he attempts to govern.
A primary challenge for Lecornu will be securing approval for the national budget, which includes proposed public spending cuts of 44 billion euros initially outlined by François Bayrou. Lecornu acknowledged a “mismatch between political and citizen life, real life,” and pledged to bridge the gap between the government and the populace.
Opposition to Lecornu’s appointment is widespread.Marine Le Pen’s National rally (RN) denounced him as “the first and last soldier of macronism,” while the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) coalition also expressed strong disapproval.The Socialist Party (PS) has taken a conditional stance, with leader Olivier Faure demanding Lecornu forgo the use of Article 49.3 of the Constitution – which allows legislation to pass without a vote – as a exhibition of a shift in governing methods. The PS has also ruled out participation in a government led by Lecornu.
President Macron tasked Lecornu with initiating negotiations with both the left and right to gauge potential support for the budget, marking the first and most critical test of his premiership. Lecornu was previously considered for the position last year when François Bayrou was selected.
