


Macron picks Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu as France's fifth PM in two years


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Emmanuel Macron Names Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu as France’s Fifth Prime Minister in Two Years
In a move that underlines the political turbulence gripping Paris, President Emmanuel Macron announced today that Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu will become the country’s new Prime Minister – the fifth to hold the post in the past two years. The appointment is a signal that the President is still searching for a stable, consensus‑building government capable of steering France through an era marked by a resurgent Russian threat, a fragile economy, and mounting public discontent.
A Brief Political Timeline
Macron’s presidency, inaugurated in 2017, has seen an unprecedented number of leadership changes in the French cabinet. After Jean‑Castex, who served from 2020 to 2022, resigned following a scandal over his personal life, the President tapped Élisabeth Borne as his successor. Borne’s brief tenure (May 2022 – September 2023) ended amid a wave of strikes, protests, and criticism of her handling of the energy crisis. Her resignation created a new vacuum that Macron needed to fill quickly.
The French constitution – which sets out the formal process for appointing a Prime Minister – requires the President to nominate a candidate who can command the confidence of the National Assembly. Following the nomination, the Assembly votes to confirm the new government. Lecornu’s appointment has already been approved in a parliamentary session held on the same day, showing that Macron’s choice was accepted by the majority of lawmakers.
Who Is Sébastien Lecornu?
Lecornu, a senior member of the Socialist‑leaning “La République En Marche” party, has been the country’s defence minister since 2021. A former army officer, he rose through the ranks of the French public service, holding posts in the Ministry of the Armed Forces and as director of the French Armed Forces’ intelligence agency. His tenure as defence minister has been defined by a focus on reforming France’s military procurement, bolstering cyber‑defence, and reinforcing the country’s commitments to NATO.
During the ongoing war in Ukraine, Lecornu was one of the most vocal proponents of continued aid to the Eastern European country, arguing that France’s security was inseparable from the broader European security architecture. His experience in defence matters is expected to bring a hardened focus on military readiness and strategic deterrence – a shift from the socially‑oriented priorities that had dominated the previous administrations.
The Political Context
Macron’s new appointment follows a period of intense scrutiny and calls for political reform. The French public, weary of a perceived “elite” government, has organized massive strikes against pension reforms, fuel prices, and the cost of living. The new cabinet faces the challenge of calming dissent while also keeping France’s standing in the EU and NATO.
Moreover, France’s diplomatic posture has been shaped by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the Russian threat to European stability. Macron has often positioned himself as a mediator between Washington and Moscow, but the growing tension on the continent has demanded a more aggressive defence stance. Lecornu’s background in military affairs appears to align with a more decisive response to Russian aggression, a priority that critics of the previous cabinet have raised.
Parliamentary and Public Reactions
The National Assembly’s swift approval of Lecornu signals that the majority of lawmakers – both from the President’s party and the opposition – are willing to cooperate on a government that can deliver stability. While the right‑wing National Rally (Rassemblement National) and other left‑wing factions in the Assembly voiced scepticism, the decision remains largely bipartisan.
Public reaction has been more ambivalent. While some French citizens welcomed the change as a fresh start, others voiced concerns about an escalation in military spending. In Paris, demonstrations – including a large protest by students and unions – were held to demand an emphasis on social welfare programs rather than increased defence budgets.
Potential Policy Directions
If the new government implements the policies expected of Lecornu, France may see a renewed focus on:
- Military Modernisation – Expanding cyber‑defence capabilities, procurement of new fighter jets, and investment in AI-driven intelligence systems.
- European Security – Strengthening France’s role in EU defence initiatives and deepening cooperation with NATO allies.
- Domestic Stability – Balancing increased defence spending with social welfare programs to address the root causes of the protests.
Macron himself has stated that the new cabinet will remain committed to his overarching economic plan – reducing deficits, promoting sustainable growth, and maintaining France’s role as a key EU member.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Sébastien Lecornu underscores the volatility of French politics in the Macron era. While the President’s insistence on a “stable, competent” government may ultimately secure a more cohesive policy agenda, the challenges remain immense. France must simultaneously address internal economic grievances, navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, and keep its citizens confident in the nation’s future.
Only time will reveal whether Lecornu can harness his defence expertise to deliver both domestic peace and a strengthened national security posture – a goal that is vital as Europe continues to confront uncertainties on multiple fronts.
Read the Full The Financial Express Article at:
[ https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/macron-picks-defence-minister-sebastien-lecornu-as-frances-fifth-pm-in-two-years/3972423/ ]