When Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, tapped Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister on September 9, 2025, nobody expected the drama that would unfold in just 26 days.
Lecornu, a 39‑year‑old Gaullist‑leaning veteran of the defense ministry, handed his resignation to Macron on October 6, 2025, shaving the record for the shortest tenure in the Fifth Republic’s history. The move underlines a broader crisis: a fragmented parliament, a succession of five governments in under two years, and a budget that seems to have no consensus.
Why Lecornu’s Appointment Felt Like a Swipe Right on Continuity
Macron’s decision came on the heels of a vote of no confidence that toppled François Bayrou’s cabinet in the National Assembly. The president needed a swift fix, and Lecornu fit the bill. A former defense minister who had steered France’s armed forces through the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he was seen as a loyal ally who could keep the reform agenda moving.
His political résumé reads like a who‑who of recent French ministries: Secretary of State for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition (2017‑18), Minister for Local Authorities (2018‑20), Minister of the Overseas (2020‑22), and finally Minister of the Armed Forces (2022‑25). A former mayor of Vernon and president of the Eure departmental council, Lecornu also won a Senate seat in September 2020 but stepped aside to obey France’s anti‑cumulation rules.
The Cabinet That Lasted 836 Minutes
Less than 24 hours after taking office, Lecornu announced his cabinet—a lineup that resembled Bayrou’s almost to the letter. Critics argue the continuity was a strategic misstep. Gabriel Attal, leader of the president’s Renaissance party, dismissed the whole affair as a "disgraceful spectacle."
Even Bruno Retailleau, head of the right‑wing Les Républicains, who was re‑appointed interior minister, warned that the new lineup "does not reflect the promised break" from the status quo.
The opposition’s reaction was immediate. Left‑wing deputies and far‑right legislators prepared a no‑confidence motion, arguing the government’s budget was unrealistic and the cabinet composition betrayed any hope of a genuine bridge between the centre‑right “common base” and Macron’s reformist agenda.
The Record‑Breaking Exit
On October 6, Lecornu told the press that he felt "the weakest prime minister of the Fifth Republic." He officially submitted his resignation, ending a 26‑day spell that eclipsed the previous record set by Michel Barnier—who had lasted just under three months at the close of 2024. For comparison, Georges Pompidou’s six‑year premiership remains the longest in modern French history.
The timing mattered too. By the time Lecornu walked out, his ministers had collectively served a total of roughly 836 minutes—a quirky statistic that political commentators have seized on as emblematic of France’s revolving‑door leadership.
What This Means for France’s Reform Agenda
Macron now faces a treacherous path. With a fractured National Assembly, any next‑in‑line prime minister will need to convince both the centre‑right “common base” and the more progressive Renaissance members that the budget is viable. The budget, slated for a vote in early November, includes controversial pension reforms, a carbon‑tax escalation, and increased defense spending—areas where Lecornu’s defense‑focused background would have been an asset.
Political analysts, such as Isabelle Blanc of the Institut Français des Relations Internationales, warn that the rapid turnover erodes public confidence. "When governments change every few weeks, citizens start to view politics as a circus rather than a means of solving real problems," she said.
Looking Ahead: Who Might Fill the Void?
Speculation is already swirling. Some insiders suggest a technocratic figure, perhaps a former EU commissioner, could serve as a caretaker while parties negotiate a more durable coalition. Others point to the rising star of Laurence Wantzel, a 45‑year‑old finance minister who has earned praise for her pragmatic approach to fiscal policy.
Whatever the next move, the clock is ticking. The Parisian streets have already seen protests against the pension overhaul, and unions have announced a nationwide strike on November 12. If Macron cannot secure a prime minister who commands both parliamentary and public support, the country could see yet another snap election.
Historical Perspective: A France in Flux
France has a long tradition of strong prime ministers, from Charles de Gaulle’s powerful post‑war leadership to Lionel Jospin’s centrist compromise in the early 2000s. However, the Fifth Republic has rarely witnessed such rapid leadership change. The last comparable period was the early 1990s, when the collapse of the cohabitation government led to three different premiers in 18 months.
Today’s instability reflects deeper societal fractures: a politically engaged but polarized electorate, the rise of populist movements on both ends of the spectrum, and the challenges of navigating a post‑COVID economy still grappling with inflation and energy transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sébastien Lecornu resign after only 26 days?
Lecornu faced an almost certain vote of no confidence from both left‑wing and far‑right parties, and even his own centre‑right allies criticized the cabinet’s composition. Believing he could not secure the parliamentary support needed to pass the budget, he chose to step down, calling himself "the weakest prime minister of the Fifth Republic."
How does Lecornu’s brief tenure compare to previous French prime ministers?
His 26‑day stint eclipses the previous record held by Michel Barnier, who lasted just under three months in late 2024. In contrast, long‑serving premiers like Georges Pompidou held office for six years, underscoring how unusual Lecornu’s resignation is in modern French politics.
What impact does this instability have on France’s budget and reforms?
The budget, which includes pension reforms, a higher carbon tax, and increased defense spending, now faces an uncertain legislative path. Without a stable government, passing these measures becomes difficult, risking delays or concessions that could dilute the original policy goals.
Who are the likely candidates to become the next prime minister?
Names circulating include former EU Commissioner Jean‑Marc Dupont as a technocratic caretaker, and finance minister Laurence Wantzel, praised for her pragmatic fiscal stance. The ultimate choice will depend on Macron’s ability to forge a coalition that satisfies both the centre‑right "common base" and his own Renaissance party.
What does this episode reveal about the broader political climate in France?
It highlights a deeply fragmented parliament where traditional party loyalties are eroding. The rapid turnover of prime ministers signals that building consensus on major reforms—especially on pensions and climate policy—is becoming increasingly challenging for any government.
