France's Macron names loyalist Lecornu as new prime minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has named Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, maintaining his pro-business agenda amid ongoing political instability. Lecornu’s immediate challenge will be to build consensus on the 2026 budget.

Lecornu, 39, a former conservative ally who supported Macron's 2017 presidential campaign, reflects the president's commitment to continuing his pro-business economic reforms. These reforms, which have included tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy as well as raising the retirement age, will remain central to Macron's agenda.

Macron was compelled to name his fifth prime minister in under two years after parliament removed François Bayrou, who had served for just nine months, due to his unpopular proposals to address France's growing debt. By choosing Lecornu, Macron risks alienating the centre-left Socialist Party, leaving his government reliant on Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally for parliamentary support.

Lecornu’s immediate challenge will be to build consensus on the 2026 budget, a task that contributed to Bayrou’s downfall. Bayrou’s push for aggressive spending cuts to reduce a deficit nearly double the EU's 3% GDP ceiling failed to gain traction.

The ongoing political crisis in France is exacerbating the country's economic difficulties, as it sinks deeper into debt. Lecornu’s appointment comes at a time of rising public dissatisfaction, with polls indicating voters are calling for change. Plans for nationwide "Block Everything" protests on Wednesday signal potential disruption.

Previously, Lecornu served as Macron’s defence minister, overseeing an increase in defence spending and contributing to shaping European security policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. His political career began at 16 when he canvassed for former President Nicolas Sarkozy, and by 22, he was the youngest government adviser in Sarkozy’s administration. After leaving the conservative Les Républicains party, Lecornu joined Macron’s centrist movement in 2017 and later ran Macron's re-election campaign in 2022.

By appointing Lecornu, Macron appears intent on protecting his economic legacy, particularly against the Socialist Party’s promises to reverse some of his key pro-business policies, such as the scrapping of the wealth tax and raising the retirement age. Lecornu has also had occasional meetings with Le Pen and her party chief, Jordan Bardella, with reports suggesting that the National Rally may offer tacit support to Lecornu if he becomes prime minister. However, the National Rally has made it clear that they will not tolerate tax hikes on the working population.

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