France's new prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has bought himself breathing space after winning two no-confidence motions tabled by the opposition.
In the tightest vote, a motion sponsored by the far left fell 18 votes short of the 289 needed to bring him down.
This means that after just five days in office, Lecornu has survived a first major ordeal in parliament and can now focus on the task of passing the 2026 budget.
Any relief for the prime minister is likely to be short-lived, with the far left and far right still gunning to bring him down. The Socialists, who threw a lifeline in the no-confidence motions, have made it clear they will not be so indulgent next time round.
Any tactical victory enabling the government to endure for now is more than offset by the huge damage to France's reputation caused by weeks of confusion and capitulation.
Appointed by President Emmanuel Macron four weeks ago, then re-appointed in chaotic scenes on Friday after he resigned on Monday, Lecornu only survives thanks to major concessions made to the left.
To buy the support of the Socialist Party, which has around 65 MPs, the prime minister promised to freeze Macron's most significant economic reform of his second term – the raising of the retirement age to 64.
Additionally, he made another critical concession by pledging not to resort to the constitutional device known as the 49:3, which allows governments to force through laws without a vote. This move effectively hands control over the budget to the parties in parliament.
This shift reflects the decline of presidential authority since Macron's botched parliamentary dissolution of July 2024. Lecornu's assurances to MPs signify an effort to demonstrate a real break from previous administrations.
However, his concessions come at a risk, potentially compromising prospects for necessary budget reforms that the financial markets and the European Union are demanding.
The draft budget tabled by Lecornu aims to reduce the deficit to 4.7% of GDP by making €30 billion in savings, which will tighten spending in health and local administration. Nonetheless, the Socialists and other factions have criticized the proposals as a betrayal of the less privileged.
President Macron's approval ratings have plummeted, and he faces growing pressure as some political factions call for his resignation before his second term ends in 18 months.
