French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s abrupt resignation after just three and a half weeks in office has plunged President Emmanuel Macron’s government into deeper turmoil, marking the latest in a series of political setbacks. Appointed as Macron’s „last card” to stabilize the fractious center-right alliance, Lecornu faced immediate collapse when the conservative Republicans (LR) party, led by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, withdrew support shortly after his cabinet announcement. The crisis erupted over Lecornu’s appointment of former finance minister Bruno Le Maire—a figure despised by LR for defecting to Macron and overseeing rising national debt—to the defense ministry, which Retailleau learned of only through media reports. Despite last-minute efforts, including Le Maire stepping aside and Macron granting a 48-hour reprieve to salvage the coalition, the government remains in disarray, underscoring the fragility of Macron’s political base.
The debacle highlights the escalating challenges for Macron as his influence wanes ahead of the 2027 presidential election. With Macron’s popularity at historic lows, allies are increasingly distancing themselves to avoid electoral backlash, fracturing the centrist coalition that has underpinned his rule. Key figures, including former prime minister Gabriel Attal, are now keeping their distance, while LR’s exit signals a broader realignment. This instability is compounded by the ticking clock of the next election, making it nearly impossible for any Macron loyalist to form a durable government as parties prioritize their post-Macon futures.
Ultimately, Lecornu’s rapid fall—more humiliating than his predecessors’—symbolizes the twilight of Macron’s era, with allies defecting and the political landscape fragmenting. The ongoing crisis not only jeopardizes short-term governance but also foreshadows a protracted period of uncertainty, as Macron’s inability to secure stable alliances erodes his legacy and accelerates preparations for a post-presidency power vacuum.
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