Sébastien Lecornu has resigned as France's Prime Minister just hours after unveiling his new cabinet, marking a significant political upheaval in the country. His resignation, accepted by President Emmanuel Macron, comes only two weeks after his appointment, highlighting the ongoing instability within the French government.

Lecornu, who previously served as Defence Minister, was tasked with forming a government that could navigate a divided parliament. His cabinet announcement included notable figures such as Bruno Le Maire, appointed as Defence Minister, and Roland Lescure as Economy Minister. The cabinet was seen as an attempt to gain cross-party support amid rising tensions and criticism from both the opposition and members of his own party.

The political landscape in France has been fraught with challenges, particularly following widespread protests against proposed public spending cuts. Lecornu faced backlash for retaining several ministers from the previous administration, which critics argue represents a continuation of old policies. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella remarked that the new cabinet merely “represents continuity” of the former government.

In his brief tenure, Lecornu described himself as “the weakest Prime Minister of the Fifth Republic” and pledged to avoid using Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push through his budget without parliamentary approval. He acknowledged the need for cooperation with opposition parties, stating, “In a Parliament that works... you cannot force your way through.”

Lecornu's resignation underscores the urgency for President Macron to stabilize his government and address the growing discontent among the populace. This development raises questions about the future direction of Macron's administration and its ability to implement effective policies in a challenging political environment.