Macron Appoints New Prime Minister
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu, the former Defense Minister, as the new Prime Minister. His immediate task is to unite the often-divided political parties in the country to reach a consensus on the national budget for one of the world’s largest economies.
At just 39 years old, Lecornu holds the distinction of being the youngest defense minister in French history. He has been a key figure behind a significant military expansion plan set to continue until 2030, largely motivated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. A loyal supporter of Macron, he is now the fourth individual to assume the prime minister role in less than a year.
Once associated with conservative politics, Lecornu joined Macron’s centrist movement in 2017 and has since served in various local and governmental roles. Notably, he played a vital role during Macron’s “great debate” aimed at addressing public unrest related to the yellow vest protests. He also initiated discussions about increased autonomy amid conflicts in Guadeloupe in 2021.
Macron’s swift choice to appoint Lecornu coincides with a major planned protest by a movement known as ‘Block Everything’, prompting the deployment of 80,000 police officers for crowd control.
Prior to Lecornu’s appointment, François Bayrou, his predecessor, was ousted after a parliamentary confidence vote that highlighted the government’s struggle with fiscal policy in light of soaring national debt. This incident poses challenges for France, the second-largest economy in Europe, extending its current instability and legislative gridlock.
Amidst various pressing challenges, including ongoing budget issues and international crises in Ukraine and Gaza, drafting a budget will be Lecornu’s priority. Interestingly, Macron has instructed him to consult with all political factions before forming a new government, emphasizing dialogue and collaboration.
In past endeavors, Lecornu has handled significant challenges deftly, from addressing public anger during the yellow vest protests to navigating local unrest in Guadeloupe related to inequality. Additionally, he spearheaded a historic defense spending proposal aimed at modernizing France’s military capabilities, signifying a significant shift in defense policy.
