PARIS (AP) — French President Macron appointed Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu as the new prime minister on Tuesday, tasked with bridging the divide among the country's political parties to reach an agreement on a national budget for one of the world's largest economies.
Lecornu, aged 39, holds the title of the youngest defense minister in French history and is credited with architecting a substantial military buildup anticipated through 2030, largely motivated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His loyalty to Macron is evident, marking him as the fourth prime minister in just over a year.
As a former conservative turned Macron loyalist since 2017, Lecornu has previously held various posts within local governments and has been engaged in sensitive discussions surrounding autonomy during civil unrest, notably in Guadeloupe in 2021.
His appointment underscores Macron's strategy to maintain continuity amidst political turbulence, especially as past budget disagreements have led to government collapses. Lecornu's quick appointment is also a strategic move ahead of planned mass protests by the 'Block Everything' movement, leading the government to deploy an unprecedented 80,000 police officers for crowd control.
On Monday, the National Assembly dismissed Lecornu’s predecessor, Francois Bayrou, following a confidence vote that highlighted the significant political strife within France. Bayrou's brief term ended in turmoil, with legislators opposing his proposed public spending cuts intended to manage national debt.
The resistance faced by Bayrou illustrates the heightened uncertainty and risk of legislative gridlock as France confronts a myriad of pressing issues, including economic challenges and international conflicts.
In leading this effort, Lecornu's first task is to draft a budget while concurrently building a new government, a challenge compounded by the necessity of seeking consensus among various political factions before assembling his cabinet.
“The prime minister’s action will be guided by the defense of our independence and our power, serving the French and the political and institutional stability for the unity of our country,” remarked Macron.
Known for managing social unrest during the yellow vest protests, Lecornu's prior role included leading national discussions aimed at addressing public grievances. His substantial defense spending plan, which aims for a 50-year high in military investment, signifies a critical juncture for France's military modernization initiatives.
This transition in French leadership comes at a crucial moment as the country deals with escalating global and domestic pressures. The successful navigation of these challenges under Lecornu's guidance will be vital for restoring stability in France.
