Paris [France], October 12 (ANI): France’s newly reappointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Saturday called for a government free from partisan interests during a visit to a police station south of Paris, his first public appearance since returning to office, France 24 reported.
President Emmanuel Macron reinstated Lecornu late Friday evening, just four days after his resignation and the collapse of a government that lasted only 14 hours. Lecornu, 39, now faces the urgent task of forming a cabinet to present the 2026 draft budget on Monday, aiming to end months of political paralysis and rein in France’s growing debt.
“I will do my duty and I will not be a problem,” Lecornu said, warning that his cabinet “must not be hostage to partisan interests.” However, his reappointment has sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with pledges to challenge the government at the earliest opportunity.
Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella called the move a “bad joke” and vowed to push a motion to oust the government. Right-wing Les Republicains (LR) leader Bruno Retailleau said the party would not join Lecornu’s cabinet but may support certain parliamentary measures. The Socialists also distanced themselves, warning they could move to topple the government unless the controversial 2023 pension reform—raising the retirement age from 62 to 64—is suspended.
France has faced political deadlock since last year’s snap elections, which produced a hung parliament and strengthened far-right representation. EU pressure to reduce the national deficit and debt has added to the urgency of forming a functioning government, after the collapse of Lecornu’s two predecessors over cost-cutting disputes.
Lecornu pledged to present a budget by year-end, emphasising that restoring public finances is a priority. Time is tight, as Parliament requires 70 days to examine the budget before the year ends. Macron has yet to address the public following the brief fall of Lecornu’s initial government. (ANI)
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