France was thrown into fresh political uncertainty on Monday after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned, just weeks after taking office.
Lecornu’s resignation came only hours after he unveiled his new cabinet, a move that surprised both the public and the political class. His exit makes him the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of France’s Fifth Republic.
The 38-year-old, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, had been appointed less than four weeks ago in what was seen as an attempt to steady Macron’s government amid falling approval ratings and rising public frustration.
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In his resignation statement, Lecornu said he was stepping down “for personal and political reasons,” adding that he hoped his decision would “allow the government to move forward in unity.”
The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron had accepted his resignation and would announce a replacement soon.
Opposition leaders wasted no time criticizing the turmoil. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called the development “a clear sign of chaos within the presidency,” while far-right figure Marine Le Pen said it showed “a government that has lost its direction.”
For many in France, Lecornu’s sudden departure raises new questions about Macron’s grip on power and the stability of his administration as the country faces economic and social challenges.