Record-Breaking Exit: French Prime Minister Resigns After 14 Hours in Office

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned just hours after announcing his new cabinet, deepening France’s ongoing political crisis.

Lecornu submitted his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, bringing an abrupt end to what has now become the shortest government tenure in France’s modern history. His time in office lasted only 27 days, while the newly formed cabinet survived for just 14 hours before collapsing.

The resignation came after mounting threats from both opposition parties and members within Lecornu’s political circle, who vowed to bring down his government. The political uncertainty triggered an immediate reaction in financial markets, causing French stocks and bonds to tumble and the euro to weaken.

The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron accepted Lecornu’s resignation. The development further exposes the instability that has plagued French politics since Macron’s re-election in 2022, as no single party or alliance has been able to secure a parliamentary majority.

Macron’s decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year worsened the gridlock, producing a divided legislature with competing blocs from the far right, left, and centre.

Lecornu, who became Macron’s fifth prime minister in just two years, now joins a growing list of leaders who have struggled to maintain control amid the country’s deepening political divides.

His predecessors, including François Bayrou, also fell after losing confidence votes over austerity-driven budget reforms aimed at reducing France’s soaring public debt, which has now exceeded €3 trillion.Following Lecornu’s resignation, opposition leaders renewed calls for Macron to step down, accusing him of losing grip on governance.

Meanwhile, budget negotiations remain tense, as rival factions continue to clash over economic policies and spending priorities.