France’s Lecornu says Macron likely to appoint new prime minister within 48 hours

PARIS (AA) – France’s outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Wednesday that President Emmanuel Macron could name a new head of government within the next 48 hours, following Lecornu’s resignation earlier this week.

Speaking to France 2 television, Lecornu said he had held consultations with several political parties over the past two days, adding that French citizens want their leaders “to reach an agreement.”

When asked if he might return to the post, Lecornu replied, “This evening, I consider my mission completed. I think the situation allows the president to appoint a prime minister within 48 hours.”

Focus on stability, not 2027 race

Lecornu emphasized that the next government must prioritize political and economic stability rather than focusing on the 2027 presidential election.

He said President Macron would determine whether the new prime minister should come from the left.

The outgoing premier also highlighted the need to move forward on pension reform and prevent political paralysis over the 2026 budget, which is set to be presented to parliament on October 13.

While acknowledging that the draft budget is “not perfect,” Lecornu urged lawmakers to negotiate rather than engage in further political battles.

“Now is not the time to change the president,” he added.

France has faced months of turmoil over fiscal and social reforms. Successive governments led by Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou collapsed after losing no-confidence votes linked to budget disputes.

Lecornu, who took office on October 5, resigned the following day amid mounting pressure from opposition parties, becoming the latest casualty in Macron’s struggle to stabilize his administration.