French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister, just four days after his resignation plunged France into a week of political uncertainty.

The move, announced late Friday evening after tense consultations at the Élysée Palace, comes as Macron struggles to maintain control over a fragmented political landscape and a fragile parliamentary majority.

The decision followed Macron’s meetings with leaders of major political parties—excluding the far-right National Rally (RN) and the far-left France Unbowed (LFI). Lecornu’s swift reinstatement, despite his earlier insistence that his “mission was over,” took even seasoned observers by surprise.

In a statement posted on X, Lecornu said he accepted the president’s offer “out of duty,” vowing to “provide France with a budget by the end of the year and respond to the everyday problems of our compatriots.” The Élysée said Macron had given him “carte blanche” to form a new government.

Lecornu, 39, a loyal Macron ally, will immediately face the challenge of presenting next year’s budget by Monday, under the shadow of mounting public debt and record-low presidential approval ratings. France’s debt stands at nearly 114% of GDP, one of the highest in the eurozone, while the 2025 budget deficit is projected to reach 5.4%.

Lecornu’s reappointment underscores the depth of France’s political crisis. Macron’s centrist coalition no longer holds a majority in the National Assembly, leaving the government vulnerable to a vote of confidence that could topple the new cabinet before it begins.

Two of Macron’s previous prime ministers have already fallen over failed budget negotiations, and the latest reshuffle has only intensified divisions across France’s political spectrum. (ILKHA)