President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu as the new Prime Minister of France, effective September 9, 2025. The move follows the resignation of François Bayrou, whose government lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly. Lecornu, 39, a close ally of Macron and former Minister of the Armed Forces, is among the youngest to hold the position in the French Fifth Republic. His appointment comes as France grapples with significant political division, ongoing protests, and substantial economic challenges.
A key priority for Prime Minister Lecornu will be the finalization of the 2026 budget. The previous administration's proposed €44 billion adjustment requires significant revisions following consultations with parliamentary groups. The budget must be submitted to the National Assembly by October 7, after review by the High Council of Public Finances and the Council of State. This fiscal planning is critical given France's national debt, which stands at 114% of GDP, the third highest in the European Union. The nation's fiscal deficit was also the EU's highest last year at 5.8% of GDP, underscoring the urgent need for fiscal consolidation.
The political instability has already impacted financial markets, with increased risk premiums leading to a rise in the yield on 10-year French bonds. Beyond fiscal matters, Lecornu faces the ongoing agricultural crisis, exacerbated by the recently enacted Duplomb Law. This legislation, which has faced widespread opposition including a petition with over 2.1 million signatures, permits the reintroduction of certain banned pesticides like acetamiprid. The law has drawn criticism from both environmental groups and farmers, revealing deep rifts within the agricultural sector. The National Assembly is slated to debate the law, potentially leading to further political contention.
In the energy sector, Lecornu is tasked with overseeing the multi-year energy program, designed to reduce fossil fuel dependency and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This strategy prioritizes a substantial expansion of nuclear power alongside renewable energy development. However, this approach has raised concerns among some deputies, particularly from the Rassemblement National, regarding potential increases in electricity costs for citizens. The government's policy aims to balance a revitalized nuclear sector with selective renewable energy expansion, marking a departure from earlier plans to phase out nuclear reactors.
Analysts view Lecornu's appointment as a signal of Macron's intention to maintain a minority government focused on his pro-business economic reform agenda. Lecornu's political career began at 19 as a parliamentary assistant. He previously served as Minister of the Overseas, managing unrest in Guadeloupe, and as Minister of the Armed Forces, overseeing a defense spending package of €413 billion for 2024-2030. His experience also includes local government roles and managing the 'grand debates' following the Yellow Vest protests, equipping him with experience in public dialogue and crisis management. The appointment has been met with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, with protests anticipated on his first day in office, reflecting the current political climate in France.