Post by : Rameen Ariff

France is facing yet another phase of political turmoil as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu begins his tenure with a government already under severe pressure. Lecornu, a centrist and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was promoted last month after serving as defense minister. At 39 years old, he has become France’s fourth prime minister in just one year, reflecting the country’s deep political instability.

On Sunday, Lecornu officially named his new cabinet. The biggest surprise was the return of Bruno Le Maire, France’s former finance minister, who has now been appointed as defense minister. He will be tasked with overseeing France’s continued military support for Ukraine and addressing the growing security challenges posed by Russia in Europe. Other senior positions remained largely unchanged: Bruno Retailleau continues as interior minister, Jean-Noel Barrot stays on as foreign minister, and Gerald Darmanin retains the justice portfolio. Roland Lescure has been promoted to finance minister at a time when France’s rising debt and budget deficit are drawing concern from investors and fueling political divisions.

Despite the formation of this government, its survival remains uncertain. France’s National Assembly is deeply divided, and Lecornu does not command a stable majority. Opposition parties on the left are already preparing to bring down his government with a no-confidence vote, while Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally is pushing hard for snap legislative elections. The new prime minister’s immediate priority is not only to govern but to keep his job.

The roots of this political deadlock trace back to June 2024, when President Macron dissolved the National Assembly in hopes of strengthening his centrist alliance. The gamble backfired, leading to a fragmented parliament where no single bloc holds a dominant majority. Since then, minority governments have repeatedly collapsed under pressure, unable to push through crucial reforms.

The instability is not only affecting domestic politics but also weakening Macron’s position internationally. France is grappling with budget challenges at home while facing global crises such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, conflict in Gaza, and strained relations with the United States under President Donald Trump’s shifting policies.

Lecornu will face his first major test on Tuesday when he addresses the National Assembly to outline his government’s agenda, including plans for the upcoming national budget. He has pledged not to invoke constitutional powers to bypass parliament—a controversial tactic used by some of his predecessors—and instead hopes to build consensus across party lines. But with protests already erupting in cities across France, including demonstrations that closed the Eiffel Tower last week, analysts warn that building compromise will be a difficult task.

France’s economy, one of the largest in the European Union, adds another layer of urgency. The ballooning deficit and public debt are sparking nationwide debates and fierce opposition to potential spending cuts. Unions and activists fear that reduced funding for public services will hurt ordinary citizens, and they have already staged three days of nationwide strikes since Lecornu took office.

As Lecornu prepares to defend his position in parliament, political observers note that his government may be short-lived. With opposition parties circling and the far right demanding fresh elections, the coming weeks will determine whether France’s new prime minister can stabilize the country—or whether the nation will plunge deeper into political chaos.

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