France has entered a new phase of political turmoil after its newly appointed government collapsed just hours after being unveiled. The dramatic development has raised fresh concerns about governance, market stability, and investor confidence in Europe’s second-largest economy.
On Monday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned only hours after announcing his cabinet. His resignation came as it became evident that he could not secure enough parliamentary backing to survive an initial confidence vote. The short-lived administration, which lasted roughly 14 hours, now stands as one of the briefest in modern French political history.
The collapse reflects a deeper structural issue in France’s political system. Since President Emmanuel Macron’s party lost its parliamentary majority in 2024, the country has been locked in a power struggle with no clear governing coalition. Each attempt to form a government has ended in gridlock as political alliances on the left, right, and centre refuse to cooperate.
Lecornu’s attempt to build a middle-ground government quickly fell apart. The left viewed his cabinet as leaning too far right, while conservatives accused it of continuing Macron’s centrist agenda. With no bloc willing to support him, his position became untenable before his government could even begin work.
The resignation leaves President Macron facing one of the toughest moments of his presidency. This marks his fifth prime minister in just two years, underscoring the depth of France’s political instability. With parliament deeply divided, Macron now faces limited choices: calling early elections, naming a temporary technocratic team, or governing by decree, each carrying significant political and economic risks.
Analysts warn that prolonged instability could delay key reforms and weigh on investor sentiment, especially at a time when France’s budget and debt levels are already under pressure.
