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Emmanuel Macron Taps Loyalist Lecornu as New Prime Minister

In a bold political move on 9 September 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Sébastien Lecornu as the country’s new Prime Minister, replacing François Bayrou after his government collapsed over a failed budget. The decision underscores Macron’s resolve to maintain his pro-business agenda, even at the cost of further polarizing France’s already fragile political landscape.

Why Lecornu? A Loyalist with Conservative Roots

Sébastien Lecornu, 39, has long been a key figure in Macron’s political inner circle. Formerly the Minister of Defense, Lecornu has held various high-level positions since Macron’s first term began in 2017. He started his political career in conservative circles, working with former President Nicolas Sarkozy, before aligning with Macron’s centrist movement.

His consistent loyalty and strategic experience made him a natural choice for Macron, who is seeking to stabilize a minority government and protect his economic reform legacy.

Political Fallout: Fractures in the French Assembly

Lecornu’s appointment comes after a tense no-confidence vote ousted Bayrou over aggressive deficit-cutting plans. France’s deficit currently hovers around double the EU’s 3% of GDP cap, placing pressure on Macron to balance fiscal responsibility with public expectations.

However, this reshuffle risks alienating the centre-left and deepening reliance on Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN). Lecornu has maintained discreet ties with RN leaders, raising questions about the nature of future parliamentary alliances.

Immediate Challenges: Budget and Protests

Lecornu’s top priority is to pass a 2026 budget acceptable to a deeply divided National Assembly. Bayrou’s failure stemmed from attempting strict austerity measures, which provoked backlash across party lines.

Meanwhile, public dissatisfaction is mounting. The “Block Everything” protests, planned for this week, reflect widespread frustration over inflation, inequality, and perceptions that Macron’s economic model favors the elite. Lecornu must not only manage the budget but also rebuild public trust in government.

Lecornu’s Track Record: From Mayor to Minister

At just 18, Lecornu became mayor of a small Normandy town, later joining Sarkozy’s administration as the youngest presidential adviser at 22. Over time, he transitioned from the right to Macron’s centrist ranks, running the president’s re-election campaign in 2022 and serving in defense and local governance roles.

His tenure at the Defense Ministry was marked by a boost in military spending and active involvement in European security planning, especially concerning Ukraine.