The French Premier Steps Down After Barely Three Weeks Amidst Broad Backlash of New Cabinet

The French government instability has worsened after the recently appointed premier suddenly stepped down within hours of appointing a cabinet.

Quick Departure During Political Turmoil

France's latest leader was the third PM in a year-long span, as the country continued to lurch from one government turmoil to another. He stepped down moments before his first cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon. Macron approved the prime minister's resignation on Monday morning.

Furious Opposition Over New Government

The prime minister had faced intense backlash from political opponents when he announced a new government that was mostly identical since last previous month's dismissal of his preceding leader, the previous prime minister.

The proposed new government was dominated by Macron's supporters, leaving the cabinet largely similar.

Political Criticism

Rival groups said Lecornu had backtracked on the "profound break" with earlier approaches that he had vowed when he took over from the unpopular previous leader, who was dismissed on 9 September over a suggested financial restrictions.

Next Political Direction

The question now is whether the head of state will decide to end the current assembly and call another snap election.

Marine Le Pen's political ally, the head of the far-right leader's political movement, said: "There cannot be a restoration of calm without a new election and the national assembly being dissolved."

He added, "It was very clearly the president who chose this government himself. He has understood nothing of the political situation we are in."

Election Calls

The far-right party has pushed for another vote, believing they can expand their positions and role in the legislature.

The country has gone through a phase of turmoil and government instability since the president called an inconclusive snap election last year. The parliament remains separated between the main groups: the liberal wing, the conservative wing and the moderate faction, with no clear majority.

Budget Deadline

A financial plan for next year must be passed within a short time, even though government factions are at odds and the prime minister's term ended in barely three weeks.

Opposition Motion

Parties from the progressive side to far right were to hold gatherings on Monday to decide whether or not to approve to oust the prime minister in a no-confidence vote, and it looked that the government would fall before it had even commenced functioning. Lecornu reportedly decided to leave before he could be dismissed.

Ministerial Positions

Most of the key cabinet roles revealed on the night before remained the identical, including the legal affairs head as justice minister and arts and heritage leader as cultural affairs leader.

The responsibility of financial affairs leader, which is crucial as a split assembly struggles to pass a budget, went to the president's supporter, a government partner who had formerly acted as economic sector leader at the commencement of the president's latest mandate.

Surprise Selection

In a surprise move, Bruno Le Maire, a presidential supporter who had acted as economic policy head for multiple terms of his presidency, was reappointed to cabinet as defence minister. This angered politicians across the political divide, who viewed it as a indication that there would be no doubt or alteration of his corporate-friendly approach.

Sean Hall
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