France has been thrust into political chaos once again as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu officially resigned on Monday, just hours after announcing his new Cabinet. His shock resignation marks the shortest premiership in the history of the Fifth Republic, lasting less than a month, and deepens an already fragile political crisis for President Emmanuel Macron.
A Sudden Collapse
In his resignation letter to the Élysée Palace, Lecornu cited the “absence of conditions necessary to govern”, pointing to gridlock in Parliament and an inability to form a stable majority. His decision followed weeks of public anger and widespread protests that swept across France, accusing the Macron administration of ignoring economic hardship and social inequality.
The announcement came only hours after Lecornu presented his Cabinet lineup, a move that was supposed to signal renewed stability but instead exposed the deep divisions within the French political landscape.
Protests Erupt Nationwide
Lecornu’s short tenure was marked by escalating public unrest. In early September, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets under the slogan “Block Everything”, protesting austerity policies, rising living costs, and the government’s handling of labor reforms.
The demonstrations turned violent in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, where fires were set and clashes erupted between protesters and police. Over 80,000 officers were deployed nationwide to contain the unrest, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
Public anger continued to mount in the following weeks as Lecornu’s proposed reforms were seen as a continuation of Macron’s unpopular economic agenda. Opposition leaders accused the government of being “out of touch” with working-class citizens, while unions vowed to continue strikes until “meaningful change” was delivered.
Political Gridlock and Failing Alliances
France’s National Assembly has been deeply divided since the snap elections of 2024, which left no party with a governing majority. Lecornu’s efforts to secure parliamentary support failed after both left-wing and far-right blocs refused to back his proposed policies.
The Socialist Party, a potential partner in coalition talks, confirmed hours before the resignation that it would vote against Lecornu’s government, effectively dooming his leadership.
Political analysts note that Lecornu’s downfall underscores a deeper crisis President Macron’s shrinking influence and the near-impossibility of governing a fractured parliament.
Macron Under Pressure
Following Lecornu’s resignation, President Emmanuel Macron accepted the decision but requested that he remain in a caretaker capacity for 48 hours while efforts continue to form a new government.
Macron now faces three difficult options:
- Appoint another prime minister capable of uniting a divided legislature.
- Call snap elections, a high-risk move that could strengthen the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen.
- Resign or serve out the term under increasing political isolation.
Reports from Paris suggest that Macron is “under intense pressure” from both allies and opponents to reset his political course. Some lawmakers within his centrist alliance are even urging him to step aside for new leadership.
Economic and Market Fallout
The resignation immediately shook French financial markets. The CAC 40 index fell by over 1.3%, and the euro weakened slightly against the dollar amid concerns over France’s political instability. Investors fear that continued turmoil could delay key fiscal reforms aimed at tackling the country’s growing public debt and budget deficit.
Economists warn that without a functioning government, France’s 2026 budget could be jeopardized, potentially triggering tension with the European Union over spending commitments.
Public Reaction
According to early polls, three-quarters of French citizens agreed with Lecornu’s decision to step down, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the government’s direction. Nearly half of respondents blamed President Macron directly for the political deadlock, citing poor leadership and failure to unite the country.
Meanwhile, spontaneous demonstrations erupted in several cities on Monday night, with protesters celebrating what they called a “victory of the people” and demanding a complete political overhaul.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Sébastien Lecornu’s resignation leaves France at one of its most uncertain moments in decades. With growing public anger, a divided parliament, and economic uncertainty looming, the coming days will test Macron’s ability to maintain control over a nation weary of political dysfunction.
If he fails to secure consensus, France could be heading toward yet another election and a potential power shift that could redefine the country’s political future.
