French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister on 9/9/2025. The president's office stated that Macron asked Lecornu to negotiate with all political parties in parliament to seek compromises on the budget and other policies before forming a new cabinet.

The decision to choose the 39-year-old Lecornu indicates Macron's resolve to maintain a minority government rather than selecting a candidate from the left-wing majority. He is unwilling to abandon his pro-business reform agenda, which has cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations while raising the retirement age.

"The president has tasked me with building a government with a clear direction: protecting national independence and strength, serving the French people, and ensuring political and institutional stability," Lecornu wrote on X.

Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu visits the Nostradamus radar facility in northern France on 4/9/2025. Photo: AFP

Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu visits the Nostradamus radar facility in northern France on 4/9/2025. Photo: AFP

Lecornu becomes the fifth prime minister appointed by Macron in less than two years. The French parliament, deeply divided among three opposition factions, voted to oust his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, on 8/9/2025, following disputes over plans to aggressively control public debt.

The appointment of a loyal ally risks criticism that Macron, whose approval ratings are declining, is "out of touch" and could further fuel social discontent. Several left-wing parties strongly oppose the appointment and have called for a nationwide strike on 11/9/2025.

The far-left France Unbowed party announced it would file a no-confidence motion against Lecornu. However, its success is unlikely as the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Jordan Bardella, has expressed willingness to cooperate with the new government on budget matters, at least temporarily.

Bardella wrote on X that the RN would judge the new prime minister based on his actions and policies. The far-right party stated it would oppose tax increases targeting workers and wants to tighten expenses related to immigration, public spending, and France's contributions to the European Union.

The RN played a key role in the downfall of both Bayrou and his predecessor, Michel Barnier. However, Lecornu is believed to have a good relationship with RN leaders Marine Le Pen and Bardella, even having dined with them last year, which could create a channel for dialogue with the far right.

Thanh Danh (Reuters)