French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu as France’s new prime minister. He replaces Francois Bayrou, who served only nine months in office, AFP reported.

Bayrou was removed after losing a confidence vote in parliament on Monday. Previously, he had stepped into the role after the resignation of conservative leader and former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

Macron Issues Clear Instructions

The Élysée Palace stated that Macron has directed Lecornu to consult with all political parties in parliament. His top priority is to finalize a national budget and forge agreements essential for upcoming decisions.

Moreover, Euronews reported that Lecornu had been viewed as a frontrunner for the position since last year.

Lecornu’s Rapid Rise

At just 39, Lecornu became France’s youngest defence minister. During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping a long-term military expansion strategy through 2030, largely influenced by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Additionally, he has been a loyal supporter of Macron since joining his centrist movement in 2017. The Japan Times highlighted that Lecornu is now France’s fifth prime minister in only two years, showing deep political instability.

Immediate Challenge: 2026 Budget

Now, Lecornu faces a crucial challenge: securing support for the 2026 national budget. Macron has ordered him to work with rival parties to reach a consensus.

First, Lecornu will hold cross-party talks. Then, he will present a plan to form a new government. Until that process concludes, the current Cabinet will act as a caretaker administration.

To avoid failure, Lecornu must revise the fiscal plan in a way that wins at least passive approval from opposition lawmakers.

Rising Political Tensions

Furthermore, Lecornu must unite a deeply divided parliament. While he has maintained good relations with far-right figures, including Marine Le Pen, the National Rally party has not yet confirmed whether it will back him.

Ultimately, Lecornu’s ability to build alliances and negotiate compromises will determine whether he can deliver stability and push forward Macron’s legislative agenda.