The Reasons Behind the French PM Stepped Down Following Just 27 Days – and What Could Follow

The French PM, Sébastien Lecornu, has resigned together with his government, under 30 days after his appointment and within hours after unveiling his ministers, significantly worsening the country's governmental turmoil.

It is another surprising turn following recent incidents that suggest France, the EU’s second-biggest member state, is becoming increasingly ungovernable. Here is a look at recent developments, the causes and what might come next.

What Just Happened?

Lecornu, who was appointed 27 days ago, tendered his resignation and that of his government this week, only half a day after the key members of his cabinet had been announced. He became the briefest-serving PM in modern French history.

The 39-year-old, ex-defense chief, a close ally of Emmanuel Macron, served as the fifth PM after Macron's second term and the third post-parliament dissolution triggering snap polls conducted months ago.

Lecornu blamed political rigidity, saying he had been “willing to negotiate, but every party wanted others accept their entire agenda.” He noted it “would require little to succeed,” but “ideological stubbornness” along with “certain egos” blocked progress, according to him.

His departure spooked investors, as the CAC 40 fell 2% and the euro, 0.7%. The national debt ratio ranks third in the EU behind Greece and Italy, nearly double the 60% permitted under EU rules – similar to its projected budget deficit of nearly 6%.

Underlying Causes

Origins of the turmoil stem from last year's sudden polls, that resulted in a split assembly split among three more or less equal blocs: left-wing groups, the far right & the president's centrist coalition, with no group coming close to a clear majority.

France’s financial crisis has only added to that instability, along with the 2027 presidential race. Macron cannot stand again, as parties position themselves before the vote, compromise in the assembly is increasingly elusive.

He encountered the tough job to approve spending cuts in a fractured parliament targeting reduction of the large fiscal gap – a task that defeated his two immediate predecessors, who were ousted by MPs over the plan.

The final catalyst leading to his exit appears to have been the reaction of the centre-right Les Républicains regarding the ministerial team. They claimed the similar composition did not reflect a significant shift from previous approaches he had pledged.

But announcement of the main cabinet posts on Sunday evening drew strong objections from all sides, as supporters and critics condemned it for being too conservative or insufficiently so, and threatening to topple the new government.

The return of Bruno Le Maire, Macron’s economy minister for seven years, to government as defence minister particularly enraged politicians from most parties, viewing it as proof that Macron’s pro-business economic policies were not up for discussion.

Future Scenarios

Nationalist parties of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella has called on Macron to disband the assembly and call new votes, as leftist groups renewed demands for Macron's resignation.

The president faces three choices, each risky and uninviting. First, he might appoint another PM. A figure from within his own camp now appears unlikely, while even a moderate leftwinger could undermine his pension changes.

On the other hand, selecting a staunch conservative would infuriate the left bloc. Given the pressing need to achieve a minimum of consensus to at least pass a budget for this year, experts propose he may try to turn to an independent expert.

Next, he may dissolve parliament and call fresh legislative elections, a move he has consistently said he is reluctant to do and surveys indicate would probably return another divided parliament – or potentially usher in an RN government.

The last choice would be to resign, however, he has repeatedly ruled out standing aside before the presidential election in 2027 – an election viewed as pivotal for France, as Le Pen eyes a potential victory.