France has had its own ‘Liz Truss moment’ – what is going on?

The new French Prime Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, resigned just hours after appointing his new cabinet today, throwing France into further political chaos.

The unexpected announcement marks a deepening of France’s political crisis and sent stocks plummeting, as well as the Euro.

After weeks of consultations with political parties across the board, Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, appointed his ministers, and the cabinet was set to hold its first meeting on Monday afternoon.

Lecornu handed his resignation to Macron on Monday morning, and it was accepted, the Elysee’s press office confirmed.

French politics has become increasingly unstable since Macron’s re-election in 2022, for want of any party or grouping holding a parliamentary majority.

Macron’s decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year deepened the crisis by producing an even more fragmented parliament – what’s going on?

Why has the French Prime Minister resigned?

Lecornu, who was only appointed last month, was Macron’s fifth prime minister in two years.

A faithful ally of Macron, Lecornu said conditions were ‘no longer met’ to remain in office after failing to build a consensus.

His new cabinet line-up had angered opponents and allies alike, who either found it too right-wing or not enough.

‘I was ready for compromise, but all parties wanted the other party to adopt their programmes in their entirety,’ he said in his speech.

‘It would take little for it to work. By being more selfless for many, by knowing how to show humility. One must always put one’s country before one’s party.’

Lecornu’s cabinet was largely unchanged from previous Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, which sparked outrage on both sides of the political spectrum.

The deep divide in the French parliament has made it difficult for the Prime Ministers to get anything passed – and for a government to form.

What does the French Prime Minister do?

The French Prime Minister is appointed by the President and controls the day-to-day governmental procedures.

The PM works directly with parliament and helps to table laws, as well as serving as a sort of mediator between parties within parliament.

While Macron is seen engaged in international appointments, the Prime Minister often deals with things at home.

The President has the power to dissolve parliament and appoint the prime minister, as well as sign off on government decrees.

After Lecornu’s resignation, Macron himself is now facing calls for his own, as millions regularly take part in strikes and street marches in ‘Block Everything’ protests, supported by trade unions.

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