French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Resigns Following Under a 30-Day Period in the Role
The nation's PM Sébastien Lecornu has handed in his resignation, under 24 hours after his cabinet was unveiled.
The French presidency made the announcement after the Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron for an hour on the start of the week.
This unexpected development comes only under four weeks after Lecornu was named premier following the downfall of the previous government of his predecessor.
Political factions in the legislature had sharply condemned the structure of Lecornu's cabinet, which was very close to Bayrou's, and promised to block its approval.
Calls for Early Elections and Political Instability
Several parties are now clamouring for a snap election, with certain voices demanding the President to also leave office - although he has always said he will not leave before his mandate concludes in 2027.
"Macron needs to choose: dissolution of parliament or resignation," said Sébastien Chenu, one of prominent members of the far right National Rally (RN).
Lecornu - the former armed forces minister and a supporter of Macron - was the fifth French PM in under two years.
Context of Political Crisis
French politics has been very volatile since last summer, when early legislative polls resulted in a no clear majority.
This has made it difficult for each PM to garner the necessary support to approve legislation.
Bayrou's government was rejected in autumn after parliament voted against his austerity budget, which aimed to cut state costs by 44 billion euros.
Economic Challenges and Stock Reaction
The French shortfall hit nearly 6% of the economy in the current year and its public debt is 114% of GDP.
That is the number three debt level in the euro area after two southern European nations, and equal to almost €50,000 per French citizen.
Stocks fell sharply in the Paris exchange after the resignation report broke on Monday.
