The French PM Quits Following Under One Month Amid Broad Backlash of New Government
France's political crisis has intensified after the new prime minister unexpectedly quit within a short time of appointing a administration.
Rapid Departure During Government Turmoil
The prime minister was the third PM in a year-long span, as the republic continued to stumble from one government turmoil to another. He quit a short time before his opening government session on Monday afternoon. Macron approved the prime minister's resignation on the start of the day.
Intense Criticism Over New Government
The prime minister had faced furious criticism from opposition politicians when he presented a new government that was virtually unchanged since last month's ousting of his preceding leader, his predecessor.
The announced cabinet was controlled by President Emmanuel Macron's supporters, leaving the administration almost unchanged.
Rival Response
Opposition parties said Lecornu had reversed on the "significant change" with previous policies that he had vowed when he assumed office from the unfavored former PM, who was removed on September 9th over a proposed budget squeeze.
Next Political Direction
The question now is whether the head of state will decide to terminate the legislature and call another snap election.
Jordan Bardella, the president of Marine Le Pen's opposition group, said: "We cannot achieve a restoration of calm without a new election and the national assembly being dissolved."
He stated, "Evidently Emmanuel Macron who determined this cabinet himself. He has misinterpreted of the political situation we are in."
Vote Demands
The far-right party has pushed for another poll, believing they can increase their representation and role in parliament.
France has gone through a phase of instability and political crisis since the national leader called an inconclusive snap election last year. The legislature remains separated between the political factions: the progressive side, the conservative wing and the centre, with no clear majority.
Financial Deadline
A financial plan for next year must be passed within weeks, even though parliamentary groups are at odds and the prime minister's term ended in less than a month.
Opposition Vote
Factions from the left to conservative wing were to hold discussions on the start of the week to decide whether or not to vote to oust France's leader in a no-confidence vote, and it seemed that the government would fail before it had even started work. Lecornu seemingly decided to step down before he could be dismissed.
Ministerial Positions
The majority of the big government posts announced on the previous evening remained the identical, including Gérald Darmanin as justice minister and arts and heritage leader as arts department head.
The position of economy minister, which is essential as a divided parliament struggles to agree on a spending package, went to Roland Lescure, a Macron ally who had formerly acted as industry and energy minister at the start of Macron's second term.
Unexpected Selection
In a shocking development, Bruno Le Maire, a presidential supporter who had served as financial affairs leader for seven years of his term, came back to cabinet as defence minister. This enraged leaders across the political divide, who saw it as a signal that there would be no doubt or change of Macron's pro-business stance.