French Crisis Deepens as Macron's 7th PM Resigns

France continues to be in a deep political crisis. President Emmanuel Macron's attempt to form a new government and lead the country out of a political deadlock failed almost as soon as it began. Newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who had become the seventh prime minister under Macron, submitted his resignation almost immediately after his appointment, which was accepted by the president.

This move came after the composition of the new government was announced, a process that had taken almost a month. However, it was clear that the newly appointed prime minister faced a real threat of being toppled amidst the deep divisions in parliament. Several left-wing parties had already threatened a vote of no confidence in Lecornu, who was scheduled to address parliament on Tuesday.

This political deadlock began in the middle of last year when Macron, hoping to consolidate his power, gambled on snap elections. This move, however, backfired, as voters created a parliament divided among three main competing blocs, making the formation of a stable government nearly impossible. Lecornu's two immediate predecessors, François Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were also ousted as a result of legislative confrontations over budget savings.

In the new, yet short-lived, government, several key ministers had kept their posts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin remained in their positions. The controversial Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who will face trial next year on corruption charges, also kept her post. The most significant change was the appointment of Bruno Le Maire, who served as Minister of the Economy from 2017 to 2024, to the post of Minister of Defense. Roland Lescure was appointed Minister of the Economy.

The Prime Minister's resignation shows that the political crisis in France continues, and the country's governance remains highly unstable.