**Macron Reappoints Lecornu Amid Political Turmoil**

Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister of France, just days after his resignation. This decision comes as the French President seeks to break a political deadlock and produce a budget amid growing economic challenges and rising debt.

Lecornu's reappointment follows intense negotiations and comes less than a week after he stepped down due to infighting within his newly formed government. France is currently grappling with significant economic issues, including a public debt that reached 3.346 trillion euros, or 114% of its gross domestic product, by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The country also faces a poverty rate of 15.4%, the highest since records began in 1996.

The appointment is viewed as a critical move for Macron, whose second term runs until 2027. He lacks a majority in the National Assembly, making it difficult to advance his agenda. Macron's office issued a brief statement announcing Lecornu's return, which comes a month after his initial appointment and just four days after his resignation.

In a statement on social media, Lecornu expressed his acceptance of the role out of "duty" and outlined his mission to ensure a budget is in place by the end of the year while addressing the daily concerns of citizens. He emphasised that all members of his new government must renounce any ambitions to run for president in 2027, stating that the Cabinet will embody renewal and a diversity of skills.

Lecornu's abrupt resignation on Monday followed the unveiling of a new Cabinet that faced opposition from a key coalition partner. This led to calls for Macron to either step down or dissolve parliament, which he has not addressed. Instead, he announced that a successor would be named within 48 hours.

Political leaders who met with Macron for over two hours on Friday expressed uncertainty about the next steps. Some warned that selecting another Prime Minister from Macron's fragile centrist camp could lead to further disapproval from the powerful lower house of Parliament, prolonging the crisis. Marine Tondelier, leader of The Ecologists party, remarked, "The impression we get is that the more alone he is, the more rigid he becomes."

Over the past year, Macron's minority governments have faced rapid collapses, leaving France in a state of political paralysis. The economic and political instability is raising concerns among financial markets, ratings agencies, and the European Commission, which is urging France to adhere to EU debt regulations.

The two largest opposition parties in the National Assembly, the far-right National Rally and the far-left France Unbowed party, were not included in the discussions on Friday. The National Rally is calling for fresh legislative elections, while France Unbowed is demanding Macron's resignation.

Lecornu has previously argued that a coalition of Macron's centrist bloc, its allies, and parts of the opposition could still form a functioning government. "There's a majority that can govern," he stated. "I feel that a path is still possible. It is difficult."

As Prime Minister, Lecornu will need to seek compromises to avoid an immediate vote of no confidence and may have to reconsider unpopular policies, including a contentious pension reform that was a hallmark of Macron's second presidential term.