Macron Brings Back Lecornu as French PM Following Several Days of Unrest

The French leader has called upon his former prime minister to return as head of government just days after he left the post, sparking a week of intense uncertainty and crisis.

The president stated on Friday evening, hours after consulting with key political groups collectively at the official residence, omitting the leaders of the extremist parties.

His reappointment shocked many, as he said on broadcast just 48 hours prior that he was not interested in returning and his role had concluded.

It is not even certain whether he will be able to form a government, but he will have to hit the ground running. Lecornu faces a cut-off on Monday to present the annual budget before parliament.

Governing Obstacles and Budgetary Strains

Officials announced the president had “tasked [Lecornu] with forming a government”, and Macron's entourage suggested he had been given full authority to make decisions.

Lecornu, who is one of a trusted associate, then released a detailed message on social media in which he accepted “out of duty” the task given to him by the president, to make every effort to finalize financial plans by the year's conclusion and tackle the common issues of our countrymen.

Partisan conflicts over how to reduce France's national debt and reduce the fiscal shortfall have resulted in the resignation of two of the past three prime ministers in the past twelve months, so his task is enormous.

The nation's debt in the past months was almost 114% of national income – the third highest in the currency union – and this year's budget deficit is projected to hit over five percent of GDP.

Lecornu stated that “no-one will be able to shirk” the necessity of repairing France's public finances. With only 18 months before the end of Macron's presidency, he warned that anyone joining his government would have to put on hold their presidential ambitions.

Governing Without a Majority

Compounding the challenge for Lecornu is that he will face a parliamentary test in a National Assembly where Macron has no majority to support him. His public standing reached its lowest point this week, according to a survey that put his public backing on 14 percent.

Jordan Bardella of the right-wing group, which was excluded of the president's discussions with party leaders on the end of the week, said that the prime minister's return, by a president increasingly isolated at the official residence, is a misstep.

The National Rally would immediately bring a challenge against a failing government, whose sole purpose was avoiding a vote, the leader stated.

Seeking Support

Lecornu at least is aware of the challenges ahead as he tries to establish a cabinet, because he has already used time lately consulting political groups that might participate in his administration.

On their own, the centrist parties lack a majority, and there are splits within the conservative Republicans who have helped prop up the ruling coalition since he lacked support in recent polls.

So Lecornu will seek progressive groups for possible backing.

To gain leftist support, the president's advisors indicated the president was evaluating a pause to part of his divisive social security adjustments implemented recently which extended working life from 62 up to 64.

The offer was inadequate of what socialist figures hoped for, as they were anticipating he would appoint a leader from their side. Olivier Faure of the leftist party stated without assurances, they would offer no support in a vote of confidence.

Fabien Roussel from the Communists commented post-consultation that the left wanted genuine reform, and a premier from the president's centrist camp would not be endorsed by the citizens.

Environmental party head the Green figure expressed shock Macron had provided few concessions to the progressives, adding that the situation would deteriorate.