French PM Lecornu Faces Urgent Pressure to Form Cabinet Now
UPDATE: France’s newly reappointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is under intense pressure as he races to form a government and secure approval for a crucial austerity budget. Just hours after President Emmanuel Macron reinstated Lecornu late Friday, political turmoil erupted, threatening the stability of a government that lasted only 27 days.
With a draft budget deadline looming on Monday, Lecornu must navigate a hostile political landscape. His swift reappointment has sparked outrage among various parties, with threats to vote down his cabinet at the earliest opportunity. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, condemned the decision as a “bad joke,” vowing to initiate a vote of no confidence against the new government.
The political climate has turned increasingly volatile, as outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau urged members of his Republicans (LR) party to reject any participation in Lecornu’s cabinet. Meanwhile, the Socialists, a key swing group in parliament, stated they have “no deal” with Lecornu and will oppose his government unless he suspends the controversial 2023 pensions reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
France has been ensnared in a political deadlock since Macron’s gamble on snap elections last year resulted in a hung parliament, giving more seats to the far-right. The nation faces pressure from the EU to curb its deficit and debt, a situation that previously led to the downfall of Lecornu’s predecessors.
Lecornu has pledged to do “everything possible” to present a budget by the end of the year, emphasizing the restoration of public finances as a priority. However, he faces a critical timeline, as parliament requires 70 days for budget review before the year’s end. With the political situation growing precarious, Lecornu’s path to stability seems increasingly fraught.
As the clock ticks, Macron has yet to address the public since Lecornu’s initial government collapsed, raising questions about his leadership amid the worst domestic crisis since he took office in 2017. Lecornu, a loyal ally of Macron and former defense minister, has agreed to stay on for an additional two days following his resignation to engage with political factions.
In an unexpected twist, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, a potential contender for the presidency in 2027, suggested Macron should resign after the budget is passed. However, Macron remains steadfast in his commitment to serve until the end of his term.
As political parties jockey for power, the far-right senses a unique opportunity for victory in the upcoming presidential elections. While Marine Le Pen is barred from running due to a corruption conviction, Bardella, her 30-year-old lieutenant, could emerge as a significant candidate.
The stakes are high for Lecornu as he attempts to stabilize his government and address France’s mounting economic challenges. The nation watches closely as developments unfold, with the potential for significant shifts in its political landscape.
