Macron Reappoints Sebastien Lecornu As French Premier

ISTANBUL, Oct 11 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- French President Emmanuel Macron reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as France's new prime minister late Friday, four days after his resignation on Monday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Lecornu is tasked with forming a new government, the Elysee Palace said in a brief statement.

The decision came after negotiations with leaders of different political parties.

"I accept — out of duty — the mission entrusted to me by the President of the Republic: to do everything possible to ensure France has a budget by the end of the year and to address the daily concerns of our fellow citizens," Lecornu wrote on United States (US) social media company X.

Reiterating the need to put an end to the political crisis "which exasperates the French people," he vowed to do everything he can to "fulfil" the mission.

"All the issues discussed during the consultations of recent days will be open to parliamentary debate: members of parliament and senators will be able to take responsibility, and debates must run their full course," Lecornu added.

He said restoring France's public finances will remain a priority, stressing that "no one will be able to evade this necessity."

"All ambitions are legitimate and useful, but those who join the government must commit to setting aside any presidential ambitions for 2027. The new government team must embody renewal and a diversity of expertise," Lecornu added.

French politics has been in turmoil since a snap election in mid-2024, which resulted in a hung parliament and more seats for the far right.

Lecornu was appointed prime minister after Francois Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on Sept 8.

Bayrou, who unveiled a 2026 budget framework in July, was seeking support for a plan to save nearly €44 billion (US$51 billion) as part of efforts to reduce France’s soaring public debt, now at 115 per cent of its GDP.

France has one of the EU's largest budget deficits at 5.8 per cent of GDP.

Budget negotiations have been a major source of tension in French politics.

The failure to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget last year also led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December after left-wing and far-right parties united behind a no-confidence motion.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU