Macron Reappoints Resigned Prime Minister Lecornu

French President Emmanuel Macron has taken an unexpected step by reappointing Sébastien Lecornu, who had resigned just four days earlier, to the post of prime minister. This decision put an end to several days of tense negotiations and speculation, aiming to resolve the deepening political deadlock in the country.

The announcement was made late in the evening on October 10, hours after a meeting at the Elysée Palace with the main political parties of France. It is noteworthy that the leaders of the far-right and far-left forces were not invited to this meeting. Lecornu's return was a surprise to many, as just two days earlier he had announced on national television that he was not seeking the post and that his "mission was over." The Elysée Palace reported that the president had given Lecornu a "mandate to form a government," and Macron's circle noted that he had been given complete freedom to act.

The 39-year-old Lecornu, who is considered one of Macron's most loyal allies, accepted the offer on the social network X, noting: "Out of a sense of duty, I accept the mission entrusted to me by the president to do everything possible so that by the end of the year France has a budget and the daily problems of our compatriots are resolved."

This reappointment is a crucial moment for Macron's presidency, which will last until 2027. Lecornu's unexpected resignation, which occurred hours after the announcement of the new government, had led to demands from the opposition for Macron's resignation or new early elections. He had attributed his resignation to the lack of readiness of political parties to compromise.

A huge challenge lies before the reappointed prime minister. He must present the draft budget for next year to parliament by Monday. The problem is complicated by the fact that he must receive a vote of confidence in the National Assembly, where Macron does not have a majority.

Political disagreements over reducing France's public debt and budget deficit have led to the ousting of two of the last three prime ministers in the past year. The country's public debt at the beginning of this year was almost 114% of the gross domestic product (GDP), the third highest in the eurozone.

Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-right "National Rally" party, described Lecornu's reappointment as a "bad joke," noting that they would immediately submit a motion of no confidence in the government. Left-wing parties also expressed their dissatisfaction, emphasizing that they would not provide any guarantee of support for the prime minister.

While Macron and his reappointed prime minister are trying to find solutions, the head of the Central Bank of France has warned that political instability will further damage the economy. If Lecornu fails to form a government, even greater instability is possible in the country, which will be costly for the French economy.