French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has resigned after serving less than a month in office, marking the shortest tenure in the history of the Fifth Republic. Appointed on September 9, 2025, Lecornu stepped down on October 6, 2025, just hours after unveiling his cabinet.
The resignation follows intense criticism from across the political spectrum. Allies and opponents alike questioned his cabinet appointments, leading to a loss of support within his own conservative camp. This development exacerbates the political instability that has plagued President Emmanuel Macron’s administration since the 2024 legislative elections, which left the parliament deeply divided.
In response to the crisis, President Macron has tasked Lecornu with holding urgent talks with political parties to navigate the deadlock. However, with mounting pressure from both the far-right and far-left factions, Macron’s options—reappointing Lecornu, selecting a new prime minister, or calling snap elections—are increasingly limited.
The ongoing political turmoil has had economic repercussions, with France’s GDP growth forecasted to slow to 0.7% in 2025, down from an initial 1% projection. Consumer and business confidence have waned, leading to decreased household consumption and investment.
As the situation unfolds, President Macron faces critical decisions to restore stability and address the nation’s pressing economic and political challenges.
