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French President Emmanuel Macron reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister on Friday, just four days after accepting his resignation, in a move that immediately drew fierce opposition from the country's far-right.
The Elysee Palace announced the decision in a statement, saying "The president of the republic has nominated Mr Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister and has tasked him with forming a government."
Lecornu, writing on X, said he accepted the position "out of duty," emphasizing the urgency of France's political situation. "We must end the political crisis," he wrote, referring to the turmoil that has gripped the country in recent months.
The reappointed prime minister outlined his immediate priorities, pledging to do "everything possible" to deliver a budget by year's end. He called restoring public finances "a priority for our future."
In a notable condition for potential government members, Lecornu warned that anyone joining his cabinet "must commit to setting aside presidential ambitions" for the 2027 elections — a requirement that appears designed to ensure loyalty and focus amid France's ongoing political instability.
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The appointment met swift resistance from the National Rally, France's main far-right party. Party leader Jordan Bardella denounced Macron's decision as a "bad joke" by an "isolated and disconnected" president.
Bardella vowed immediate action, saying his party will "immediately of course censure this coalition which does not have any future" through a no-confidence motion in parliament. The threat signals continued uncertainty for Lecornu's government before it has even fully formed.
The rapid return of Lecornu to the premiership underscores the depth of France's political crisis and the challenges Macron faces in maintaining stable governance.
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