At 39, France’s youngest-ever Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu becomes the country’s fourth Prime Minister in a year after Bayrou’s ouster.
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sebastien Lecornu as the new Prime Minister of France, following the fall of the previous government led by Francois Bayrou.
The announcement was made late Tuesday, making Lecornu the fourth person to hold the position in just one year—a reflection of growing political instability in France.
Who is Sebastien Lecornu?
- Age 39, youngest Defence Minister in French history.
- Key architect behind France’s military buildup plan through 2030, largely in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Started as a conservative, joined Macron’s centrist movement in 2017.
- Known for handling complex political situations, including:
- Macron’s “great debate” during the Yellow Vest protests.
- Guadeloupe unrest in 2021, where he opened dialogue on autonomy.
His appointment shows Macron’s tendency to reward loyal, pragmatic leaders—but also signals a desire for stability and continuity amid repeated government shakeups.
Why the Change in Government?
The previous Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, lost a parliamentary confidence vote on Monday after pushing for strict budget cuts to reduce France’s rising debt.
Bayrou’s minority government lasted less than a year and was rejected by lawmakers, triggering another political crisis for Macron.
Lecornu’s Top Priorities:
- Drafting a new national budget, addressing growing debt.
- Avoiding further legislative deadlock in Parliament.
- Maintaining France’s global influence amid international crises in Ukraine, Gaza, and shifting US foreign policy under President Trump.
Rather than immediately forming a new Cabinet, Macron has asked Lecornu to first consult all political parties in Parliament and attempt to build consensus on the national budget.
“The Prime Minister’s action will be guided by the defense of our independence and our power, serving the French and ensuring institutional stability,” Macron said in a statement.
What This Means for France
The appointment comes at a crucial time, with France facing:
- Severe budget challenges
- Political fragmentation
- Ongoing international concerns including:
- Russia’s war in Ukraine
- Conflict in Gaza
- Uncertainty from the U.S. under Trump
With Lecornu’s experience in both defense and crisis management, Macron is betting on a young, loyal leader to stabilize France during a turbulent time.
Also Read : Big Protests Hit France: Roads Blocked, Cars Set on Fire, 200 People Arrested
