France's PM Steps Down After Barely Three Weeks Amidst Broad Criticism of New Ministers
France's government instability has worsened after the freshly installed PM dramatically resigned within a short time of announcing a government.
Quick Exit During Government Turmoil
The prime minister was the third PM in a single year, as the country continued to lurch from one government turmoil to another. He stepped down hours before his first cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon. Macron approved his resignation on the start of the day.
Furious Backlash Over New Government
Lecornu had faced furious criticism from political opponents when he announced a recent administration that was largely similar since last previous month's dismissal of his preceding leader, his predecessor.
The announced cabinet was controlled by President Emmanuel Macron's allies, leaving the administration mostly identical.
Rival Response
Opposition parties said the prime minister had stepped back on the "significant change" with previous policies that he had vowed when he assumed office from the disliked former PM, who was removed on the ninth of September over a planned spending cuts.
Future Government Course
The issue now is whether the national leader will decide to terminate the legislature and call another snap election.
Marine Le Pen's political ally, the president of the far-right leader's far-right National Rally party, said: "We cannot achieve a return to stability without a new election and the parliament's termination."
He continued, "It was very clearly France's leader who determined this administration himself. He has understood nothing of the current circumstances we are in."
Vote Calls
The National Rally has pushed for another vote, confident they can expand their positions and role in parliament.
The country has gone through a period of turmoil and government instability since the president called an inconclusive snap election last year. The parliament remains separated between the three blocs: the left, the conservative wing and the centre, with no clear majority.
Budget Pressure
A budget for next year must be passed within coming days, even though parliamentary groups are at odds and the prime minister's term ended in less than a month.
Opposition Motion
Factions from the progressive side to far right were to hold discussions on Monday to decide whether or not to approve to dismiss the prime minister in a opposition challenge, and it seemed that the government would collapse before it had even begun operating. The prime minister apparently decided to leave before he could be removed.
Ministerial Positions
Nearly all of the major ministerial positions announced on Sunday night remained the same, including the justice minister as legal affairs leader and arts and heritage leader as culture minister.
The position of economic policy head, which is essential as a divided parliament struggles to approve a financial plan, went to Roland Lescure, a presidential supporter who had formerly acted as industry and energy minister at the commencement of the president's latest mandate.
Surprise Selection
In a surprise move, the president's political partner, a Macron ally who had served as economic policy head for multiple terms of his leadership, was reappointed to cabinet as military affairs head. This angered officials across the spectrum, who viewed it as a sign that there would be no doubt or alteration of Macron's pro-business stance.