Macron Appoints Sebastien Lecornu as New Prime Minister After Crisis

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, appointed Sebastien Lecornu as the new Prime Minister on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. This decision follows the abrupt collapse of the previous government and comes as a surprising choice, given expectations that Macron might lean towards more left-leaning candidates. Lecornu, a loyalist and former conservative protégé, has a history of supporting Macron’s policies since his initial presidential campaign in 2017.

The appointment of the 39-year-old Lecornu signifies Macron’s commitment to continuing his pro-business economic reforms while managing a minority government. These reforms have included significant tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy, alongside an increase in the retirement age. Lecornu’s rise to power marks Macron’s fifth prime ministerial appointment in less than two years, a reflection of the turbulent political landscape in France.

Political Landscape and Challenges Ahead

Macron’s decision to appoint Lecornu may alienate the centre-left Socialist Party, leaving the government reliant on support from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally in parliament. The new Prime Minister’s immediate focus will be on negotiating a budget for 2026, a task that previously led to the ousting of Francois Bayrou, who had advocated for aggressive spending cuts in response to a national deficit nearly double the European Union ceiling of 3% of GDP.

The recent political upheaval underscores a growing instability in France, raising concerns over the impact on the euro zone’s second-largest economy. Lecornu’s appointment comes at a time when public dissatisfaction is rising, evidenced by upcoming nationwide “Block Everything” protests that threaten to disrupt various sectors.

Prior to this role, Lecornu served as Macron’s Defence Minister, during which he oversaw a notable increase in defence spending and contributed to shaping European security strategies regarding potential peace negotiations with Russia over Ukraine. His political journey began at a young age, canvassing for former President Nicolas Sarkozy at just 16. By 18, he was the mayor of a small town in Normandy and became one of Sarkozy’s youngest government advisers at 22.

Future Implications for Economic Policy

In choosing Lecornu, Macron appears committed to preserving his economic legacy despite the risks involved. The Socialist Party has expressed intentions to reverse several of Macron’s flagship pro-business policies, including the abolition of a wealth tax and the increased retirement age, which are pivotal for attracting investment to France.

Interestingly, Lecornu has maintained a dialogue with leaders from the National Rally, including a secret dinner with party chief Jordan Bardella last year. National Rally officials have indicated that they could offer some level of tacit support to Lecornu, provided the government refrains from imposing tax increases on working citizens.

As Lecornu steps into his new role, the eyes of France and Europe will be watching closely to see how he navigates the complex political environment and addresses the pressing economic challenges ahead.