France’s Power Shake-Up: Who is the New Prime Minister Handpicked by Macron?

France: In a dramatic political twist, French President Emmanuel Macron has named Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu as the country’s new Prime Minister, replacing Francois Bayrou, who was ousted after a failed confidence vote in parliament. The sudden shift signals Macron’s urgency in stabilizing France’s fragile political scene and pushing through a critical budget.

The appointment comes just before a nationwide protest movement, “Block Everything,” which has already forced the government to deploy an unprecedented 80,000 police personnel to maintain order.

Lecornu, only 39, is no stranger to high-pressure roles. France’s youngest-ever Defence Minister, he spearheaded a €413 billion military expansion plan (2024–2030) in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine — the largest defense boost in over fifty years. His portfolio included modernizing nuclear capabilities, strengthening intelligence, and expanding drone and remote-controlled weapon systems.

A close ally of Macron since 2017, Lecornu has held posts in local governments, overseas territories, and during the Yellow Vest crisis, where he helped steer public anger into dialogue during Macron’s “great debate.” As Overseas Minister from 2020 to 2022, he even opened discussions on autonomy in Guadeloupe amid violent protests and health-related unrest.

Now, as France’s fourth prime minister in just a year, Lecornu faces his toughest challenge yet — building consensus among warring political blocs to prevent further budget gridlock and avoid the instability that has toppled his predecessors.