The French Premier Quits Following Barely Three Weeks Amid Widespread Backlash of New Ministers
France's government instability has deepened after the new prime minister unexpectedly quit within a short time of forming a cabinet.
Swift Resignation During Political Turmoil
France's latest leader was the third French prime minister in a year-long span, as the nation continued to move from one government turmoil to another. He resigned hours before his first cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon. Macron approved Lecornu's resignation on Monday morning.
Intense Criticism Regarding New Government
The prime minister had faced strong opposition from rival parties when he revealed a recent administration that was virtually unchanged since last recent removal of his preceding leader, the previous prime minister.
The announced cabinet was controlled by Macron's political partners, leaving the administration mostly identical.
Rival Criticism
Opposition parties said France's leader had reversed on the "profound break" with past politics that he had vowed when he assumed office from the unfavored previous leader, who was removed on 9 September over a planned spending cuts.
Future Political Direction
The issue now is whether the national leader will decide to end the current assembly and call another snap election.
Jordan Bardella, the president of Marine Le Pen's opposition group, said: "There cannot be a return to stability without a new election and the national assembly being dissolved."
He added, "Evidently France's leader who determined this cabinet himself. He has failed to comprehend of the present conditions we are in."
Election Calls
The far-right party has advocated for another election, confident they can increase their representation and influence in parliament.
The country has gone through a period of instability and parliamentary deadlock since the president called an inconclusive snap election last year. The legislature remains separated between the political factions: the liberal wing, the far right and the moderate faction, with no definitive control.
Budget Pressure
A spending package for next year must be approved within weeks, even though government factions are at loggerheads and the prime minister's term ended in barely three weeks.
Opposition Vote
Factions from the left to far right were to hold gatherings on the start of the week to decide whether or not to approve to remove the prime minister in a no-confidence vote, and it appeared that the government would collapse before it had even begun operating. Lecornu reportedly decided to step down before he could be removed.
Ministerial Positions
Most of the big government posts declared on Sunday night remained the unchanged, including Gérald Darmanin as justice minister and arts and heritage leader as arts department head.
The position of economy minister, which is essential as a divided parliament struggles to agree on a budget, went to the president's supporter, a government partner who had previously served as business and power head at the start of the president's latest mandate.
Surprise Selection
In a surprise move, a longtime Macron ally, a presidential supporter who had acted as financial affairs leader for an extended period of his term, returned to administration as defence minister. This angered leaders across the various parties, who viewed it as a sign that there would be no doubt or alteration of his corporate-friendly approach.