French PM Sebastien Lecornu Resigns After Just 27 Days in Office, Citing Lack of Political Cooperation

New Delhi (India) October 7: President Emmanuel Macron named French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu over a month ago, but he resigned on Monday. This comes one day after his new cabinet caused some controversy and divided the European Union. In the last two years, Lecornu is the fifth French prime minister to resign from office.

According to the Elysee Palace, Lecornu is a longtime Macron ally. He resigned on Monday morning. The action followed right-wing supporters' declarations that they would leave his administration after Lecornu presented his cabinet. The cabinet included members of his predecessor Francois Bayrou.

Lecornu’s Tearful Speech Highlights Political Instability 

During a tearful Monday morning televised speech, Lecornu accused political leaders from various ideological groups. The accusations are of not being willing to reach a compromise in order to solve the problem.

He said that "the conditions were not fulfilled for me to carry out my function as prime minister," but that if some had been "selfless," things may have gone differently.

Debt Crisis Deepens as France Faces Political Instability

The legislative chamber dismissed Lecornu's two immediate predecessors, Francois Bayrou and Michel Barnier. This is because of a standoff over the budget plan. It added to France's political and economic problems.

According to official figures, France's debt-to-GDP ratio is currently the third highest in the European Union. They are only behind Greece and Italy. The country's public debt has hit a record high.

Lecornu’s Record: Shortest Tenure

Lecornu broke three records after resigning: he was the only prime minister to have not issued a general policy statement, the longest period without a government (26 days), and the shortest-serving prime minister (27 days).

Cabinet Choices Spark Rift Within EU and French Right Wing

According to The Financial Times, Lecornu promised a "rupture" with past Macron-selected governments and the introduction of new faces. This is after being nominated prime minister by Macron in the middle of a growing debt crisis. However, he picked a government that was almost unchanged. It includes supporters of Bayrou and Macron. It upset his right-wing friends.

Lecornu became the fourth prime minister in as little as a year after Bayrou's government lost a vote of confidence. It was due to a controversial 2026 budget plan.

Lecornu's Political Career

Lecornu was France's youngest defense minister to lead a significant military presence plan through 2030. He was inspired by Russia’s war in Ukraine. He joined the president's centrist organization in 2017. He has been a loyal ally of Macron.

Sebastien Lecornu has served in foreign territories and municipal administrations. He was also a major player in Macron's "great debate" during the Yellow Vest protests.