Why the French PM Resigned After Just 27 Days – and Potential Happen Next
The French prime minister, the country's leader, stepped down together with the cabinet, less than a month following his appointment and just hours after unveiling his ministers, dramatically deepening France's governmental turmoil.
This marks another surprising turn following recent incidents indicating that the nation, Europe's second-largest economy, faces growing governance challenges. Here is a look at recent developments, why – and what might come next.
What Just Happened?
The prime minister, who was appointed 27 days ago, tendered his resignation along with the entire cabinet on Monday, only half a day following the ministerial lineup reveal. This made him the shortest-lived prime minister in modern French history.
Aged 39, ex-defense chief, aligned with the president, was France’s fifth prime minister after Macron's second term and third leader since Macron dissolved parliament triggering snap polls conducted months ago.
He attributed the resignation to party-political intransigence, stating he was “willing to negotiate, but every party wanted every other party to adopt its full programme.” It would “would require little to succeed,” however “ideological stubbornness” along with “personal ambitions” stood in the way, he said.
His departure spooked investors, with the CAC 40 stock index dropping 2% and the euro declined 0.7%. France’s debt-to-GDP ratio ranks third in the EU after Greece and Italy, nearly double the EU's 60% limit – similar to the nearly 6% deficit forecast.
Why Did It Happen?
The roots of the crisis stem from last year's sudden polls, that resulted in a split assembly divided between three more or less equal blocs: left-wing groups, the far right and the president's centrist coalition, none nearing a majority.
The economic downturn worsened the uncertainty, as have presidential elections due in 2027. Macron cannot stand again, and with each party keen to stake out its ground before the vote, compromise in the assembly is increasingly elusive.
Lecornu faced the tough job of passing an austerity budget in a fractured parliament targeting reduction of the large fiscal gap – a task that defeated his two immediate predecessors, who were ousted by MPs over the plan.
The final catalyst leading to his exit appears to have been the reaction of the centre-right Les Républicains to the new cabinet. The party said the largely unchanged lineup failed to represent a significant shift with past politics he had pledged.
But announcement of the main cabinet posts last Sunday drew strong objections from across the political spectrum, as supporters and critics condemned it as either too rightwing or not rightwing enough, and threatening to topple the new government.
The return of Bruno Le Maire, long-time finance chief, to government as defence minister particularly enraged politicians from most parties, who saw it as a confirmation that his economic agenda was non-negotiable.
What Might Happen Now?
Nationalist parties led by Le Pen and Bardella has called on Macron to dissolve parliament and call new votes, while the radical left France Unbowed renewed demands for Macron's resignation.
The president faces three choices, each risky and uninviting. First, he could name a new prime minister. A figure from within his own camp seems improbable, while even a moderate leftwinger would challenge his hard-won pension reform.
Alternatively, appointing a confirmed rightwinger would anger left-wing parties. Due to urgent requirements to achieve a minimum of consensus for approving annual spending, experts propose he might consider an independent expert.
Second, he may dissolve parliament and call fresh legislative elections, an option he has resisted and which polls suggest would probably return another divided parliament – or bring nationalists to power.
His final option would be to resign, however, he has refused to leave prior to the 2027 vote – an election viewed as pivotal in French politics, as Le Pen eyes a potential victory.