PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron late Tuesday appointed Sébastien Lecornu as France's new prime minister, aiming for immediate negotiations regarding the country’s budget amid rising political tensions.
A seasoned politician and former defense minister, the 39-year-old Lecornu is the youngest individual to have held this role in French history. His appointment comes as France faces numerous challenges, including budget debates and protests scheduled by a movement called 'Block Everything,' leading to the deployment of 80,000 police officers for public safety.
Lecornu, a former conservative who shifted to Macron’s centrist movement in 2017, has a reputation for navigating politically sensitive waters, having orchestrated significant military build-up strategies linked to the Ukraine crisis during his time at the Ministry of Defense.
Following the fall of his predecessor, François Bayrou, due to a confidence vote on budgetary measures, Lecornu's challenge lies in garnering support from various political factions to strike a consensus on financial planning. Macron’s rapid decision indicates the urgency to maintain stability amid the tumult caused by economic pressures and international conflicts.
As discussions on budget cuts loom, Lecornu not only aims to navigate the domestic political landscape but also must contend with external factors threatening national security and economic resilience. The paramount objective is clear: secure a workable budget framework to steer France’s economy back on course.
