The recently reappointed French Prime Minister acknowledged this Saturday, October 11, that there were not “many candidates” for the position and admitted that he may not remain in the role for long, given the deep political divisions in the country.
Sébastien Lecornu, appointed again by French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday night, after a week of political chaos, appealed for calm and party support to make a budget viable for the second largest economy in the European Union (EU) before the approaching deadlines.
The prime minister asked the parties to work together to put an end to the “ridiculous spectacle” seen in recent days and criticized the political impasse that has gripped the country. “What is ridiculous is the spectacle that the entire political world has been putting on for several days,” said the government official, who has until Monday to present a budget project.
This is the deadline for parliament to have the 70 days provided for in the Constitution to analyze the document before December 31st. But, before being delivered to deputies, the text must pass through the Council of Ministers.
The prime minister urged political parties to overcome differences to pass a budget by the end of the year, a crucial step towards controlling France’s growing budget deficit. “I am facing a very clear mission, and either political forces will help me and we will work together to achieve it, or not”, said Lecornu. “This is about how to ensure that, on December 31st, there is a budget for social security and a budget for the State”, he added. Regarding the controversial law that increased the retirement age, he admitted that “all discussions are possible as long as they are realistic”.
Rivals from across the political spectrum, from the far right to the far left, criticized Macron’s decision to reappoint, on Friday, Lecornu, France’s fourth prime minister in less than a year, at a time when the country is facing growing economic challenges and a sharp increase in debt, and the political crisis is worsening difficulties, generating concern in the European Union.
Lecornu, who resigned on Monday after just a month in office, said he agreed to return due to the urgent need to find financial solutions for France. However, he warned that he will only remain as long as “the conditions are met” and admitted the possibility of being overthrown by a motion of censure in the fragmented parliament.
The Prime Minister did not give dates for the formation of a new Government or names to compose it, but guaranteed that it will not include potential candidates for the 2027 presidential election.