Macron names close ally Sebastien Lecornu France new PM

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday appointed Defence Minister and close ally Sebastien Lecornu as the new prime minister in a bid to calm a deepening political crisis as protests loom in the coming days.

Lecornu, 39, replaces Francois Bayrou, who resigned earlier in the day after just nine months in office when parliament voted out the government. He becomes the seventh prime minister of Macron’s presidency.

The formal handover is expected on Wednesday at midday.

According to the Elysee, Macron has tasked Lecornu with consulting political forces in parliament to secure a national budget and strike the necessary agreements for the months ahead.

The decision marks a swift move by Macron, who has often been slow in naming premiers, but this time acted within a day to avoid further political and financial instability.

“Emmanuel Macron is now in the front line to find a solution to the political crisis,” noted French daily Liberation.

Bayrou’s downfall followed his decision to call a confidence vote on his austerity budget, which sought €44 billion ($52 billion) in cost savings.

He lost by a wide margin, with 364 deputies opposing the government and only 194 backing it. His resignation makes him the sixth prime minister to exit under Macron since 2017.

The crisis stems from the 2024 legislative elections that left France with a hung parliament, complicating governance. France’s borrowing costs have also risen, adding pressure on the president.

Lecornu, who has served as defence minister for more than three years, is regarded as a loyal ally and skilled operator without presidential ambitions, a key factor for Macron. He has been a strong supporter of Ukraine throughout Russia’s invasion.

His appointment comes as France faces mounting social tensions. A left-wing group, “Block Everything,” has called for nationwide protests on Wednesday, while trade unions are preparing for strikes on September 18.

Reactions to the appointment have been mixed. Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally described Lecornu’s nomination as the “final shot of Macronism,” while the Socialist Party accused Macron of sidelining them and risking further anger and deadlock. But former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expressed confidence, saying Lecornu “has the qualities” to find agreements across party lines.

With the 2027 presidential race still open, and Macron constitutionally barred from running again, analysts believe the far right could mount its strongest challenge yet, depending on Marine Le Pen’s legal battles.