Macron Appoints Defence Minister Lecornu As France's New Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday, tasking him with urgently seeking consensus among political parties on a national budget amid ongoing instability. At 39, Lecornu becomes France's youngest-ever defence minister turned prime minister, a loyalist to Macron who previously oversaw a major military expansion through 2030 in response to Russia's war in Ukraine. Macron emphasised that Lecornu's role would focus on defending France's independence and ensuring political stability, as the nation faces economic challenges and widespread protests planned for Wednesday.

Lecornu's background as a former conservative who joined Macron's centrist movement in 2017 has seen him hold various key positions, including roles in local governments, overseas territories, and facilitating dialogue during the 2018-2019 yellow vest protests. He led the "great debate" to address social unrest and managed tensions in Guadeloupe in 2021 by offering autonomy discussions. His appointment reflects Macron's preference for continuity and loyalty, especially after the recent confidence vote that ousted predecessor François Bayrou, marking Lecornu as France's fourth prime minister in a year and highlighting the administration's efforts to navigate fractious politics.

The decision comes in the wake of Bayrou's government falling on Monday, as lawmakers rejected his austerity measures amid France's mounting debt, leading to legislative deadlock and uncertainty in Europe's second-largest economy. With mass disruptions expected from the "Block Everything" protest movement, Macron has deployed 80,000 police officers to maintain order, underscoring the urgency of Lecornu's mission. Before forming his cabinet, Lecornu is instructed to consult with all parliamentary parties to forge a budget agreement, a gamble to prevent further crises.

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This leadership change occurs as France grapples with international pressures, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and shifting U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, while addressing domestic fiscal woes. Lecornu's championed €413 billion (USD 435 billion) defence package signals a commitment to modernisation, but his success will hinge on bridging political divides to stabilise the economy and implement reforms effectively.

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