Macron appoints Defense Minister Lecornu as new prime minister

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Sébastien Lecornu, the 39-year-old defense minister and longtime ally, as prime minister on Tuesday.

He replaces François Bayrou, who was dismissed by parliament after nine months in office due to his failure to draw up a budget.

Lecornu's main task will be to draw up the budget for 2026. France's deficit is currently almost six percent of GDP, twice the limit allowed by the EU.
With this decision, Macron is signaling the continuation of his pro-business reform policy, including tax cuts and an increase in the retirement age.

According to Reuters, the appointment could make cooperation with the Socialists more difficult and make the government dependent on the support of the far-right Rassemblement National party.

(reuters, lud)