Fifth prime minister in two years – Lecornu promises change of course

The new French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has taken office in a tense atmosphere, with the country rocked by mass protests under the slogan “Block everything” and parliament recently dismissing his predecessor, François Bayrou, over disputes about budget cuts.

Lecornu, already President Emmanuel Macron's fifth prime minister in less than two years, acknowledged that not only the form but also the content of government policy needed to be changed.

He thus hinted at a possible change of course that could ease the growing tensions between the government and the opposition.

He emphasized that instead of making grand speeches, he wanted to start a dialogue immediately – first with the largest political parties, then with the unions, and later with the broader public.

His government should be creative and willing to compromise in order to satisfy both the deeply divided parliament and the dissatisfied population.

The primary goal is to overcome blockages and reach agreements in order to free French politics from paralysis.

(reuters, red)