Sébastien Lecornu appointed as France’s new prime minister by Macron

France’s Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, 39, will succeed François Bayrou, who resigned on Tuesday (9). This marks the fifth time Macron has appointed a new prime minister since the beginning of his second term in 2022, a period of great economic crisis in the country. France currently holds the highest debt level among EU countries, leading to government instability. Lecornu, the youngest Defense Minister in French history, is known for spearheading a major military reinforcement plan until 2030, driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine. A former conservative who joined Macron’s centrist movement in 2017, Lecornu held positions in local governments, overseas territories, and played a role in managing the ‘yellow vest’ protests, aiding in dialogue to quell public unrest. Macron’s decision to appoint Lecornu reflects both a reward for loyalty and a quest for continuity, following budgetary deadlock that led to the downfall of his predecessors, leaving France adrift. Lawmakers ousted François Bayrou and his government in a vote of confidence on Monday (8), amidst a fresh crisis in the EU’s second-largest economy. Bayrou’s push for public spending cuts to tackle the massive national debt was rejected as legislators stood united against the 74-year-old centrist, appointed by Macron last December.