French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu as the country's new prime minister, replacing François Bayrou, who resigned after losing parliamentary support.
The decision follows the passage of a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, which led to Bayrou's removal as prime minister. Lecornu becomes France's fifth prime minister in less than two years, reflecting the ongoing political instability facing the Macron administration.
The newly appointed prime minister will immediately face the challenge of approving next year's budget, a delicate process in a fragmented parliament where the government does not enjoy a majority. Without a clear base of support, Lecornu will have to negotiate between political factions to avoid legislative deadlock.
Analysts warn that Lecornu's appointment could further strain relations with the center-left Socialist Party, while Macron and his government could be forced to seek the support of the far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen - a development that could significantly alter the political balance in the country.
