France Divided Over Macron’s Reappointment of Lecornu as Prime Minister

French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to restore Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister—just days after his sudden resignation—has ignited intense backlash across France’s political spectrum. Critics on both the far right and left decried the move as undemocratic and symptomatic of deeper instability.

From the far-right camp, Jordan Bardella blasted the reappointment as a “democratic disgrace,” accusing Macron of further isolating himself and mocking the French people. Marine Le Pen warned that parties complicit in the move would be held accountable in future elections.

On the left, Socialist Party spokesperson Stéphane Troussel lamented Macron’s return to what he called political theater, saying citizens expecting substantive change have been betrayed. Green leader Marine Tondelier called it “incredible” that Macron would reappoint a close ally rather than allow a broader, more representative handover. Mathilde Panot of the hard-left party France Unbowed accused Macron of governing by “disgust and anger.”

Meanwhile, some members from Macron’s own bloc have voiced cautious support. Outgoing ministers Amélie de Montchalin and Catherine Vautrin stressed the urgency of passing the 2026 budget and urged unity across the legislature. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly, signaled readiness to resume legislative work and called for cooperation. In contrast, conservative Éric Ciotti pledged to mount a vote of no confidence against the new government.

The polarized reactions underscore the deep political fragmentation France now faces. Macron’s gamble in reinstating Lecornu is seen by many as a bid for stability—but one that may struggle to bridge the chasm between competing parties and regain public trust.