The French PM Resigns After Barely Three Weeks Amidst Widespread Criticism of Freshly Appointed Ministers

The French political crisis has worsened after the recently appointed premier suddenly stepped down within hours of appointing a government.

Swift Departure Amid Political Turmoil

Sébastien Lecornu was the third premier in a year-long span, as the republic continued to lurch from one political crisis to another. He quit moments before his first cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon. France's leader accepted the prime minister's resignation on the beginning of Monday.

Strong Opposition Over Fresh Cabinet

The prime minister had faced strong opposition from opposition politicians when he announced a fresh cabinet that was largely similar since last recent ousting of his predecessor, his predecessor.

The proposed new government was led by Macron's political partners, leaving the administration almost unchanged.

Political Criticism

Political opponents said the prime minister had reversed on the "profound break" with past politics that he had pledged when he took over from the disliked Bayrou, who was removed on 9 September over a suggested financial restrictions.

Next Political Course

The question now is whether the national leader will decide to end the current assembly and call another early vote.

The National Rally president, the president of Marine Le Pen's political movement, said: "We cannot achieve a reestablishment of order without a fresh vote and the national assembly being dissolved."

He continued, "It was very clearly France's leader who chose this cabinet himself. He has misinterpreted of the current circumstances we are in."

Election Calls

The National Rally has pushed for another poll, believing they can expand their positions and role in the assembly.

France has gone through a period of turmoil and political crisis since the national leader called an unclear early vote last year. The parliament remains split between the main groups: the liberal wing, the conservative wing and the centre, with no clear majority.

Budget Deadline

A financial plan for next year must be approved within coming days, even though political parties are at disagreement and his leadership ended in barely three weeks.

No-Confidence Motion

Political groups from the progressive side to conservative wing were to hold meetings on the start of the week to decide whether or not to approve to oust the prime minister in a no-confidence vote, and it looked that the cabinet would collapse before it had even started work. France's leader seemingly decided to step down before he could be dismissed.

Cabinet Positions

Nearly all of the big government posts announced on Sunday night remained the unchanged, including the legal affairs head as justice minister and Rachida Dati as culture minister.

The responsibility of economy minister, which is crucial as a split assembly struggles to agree on a budget, went to Roland Lescure, a Macron ally who had formerly acted as industry and energy minister at the start of his current leadership period.

Surprise Appointment

In a surprise move, Bruno Le Maire, a Macron ally who had acted as economy minister for an extended period of his presidency, was reappointed to government as defence minister. This angered officials across the various parties, who considered it a indication that there would be no doubt or change of Macron's pro-business stance.

Christine Johnston
Christine Johnston

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