France faced fresh turmoil on October 6, 2025, as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu quit mere hours after forming his cabinet. This collapse, the shortest in modern French history, worsens the political deadlock from the 2024 elections, which left parliament fragmented.

Lecornu, a Macron ally, blamed opposition “partisan appetites” for the failure. Notably, conservatives slammed the appointment of Bruno Le Maire as defense minister, fueling the crisis. This dramatic move, which lasted only 27 days in total, marks the shortest-serving government in modern French history. Moreover, it highlights the severe fragmentation in parliament since the inconclusive 2024 elections left no clear majority.

The fallout saw the CAC 40 drop 2% and borrowing costs hit 3.57%. Opposition leaders, like Marine Le Pen, demanded snap elections, while others, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, pushed for Macron’s impeachment. Now, with ministers in caretaker roles, France risks budget delays amid a €3.346 trillion debt. As Macron scrambles for solutions, analysts warn of deeper instability threatening European unity.

As France navigates this “unprecedented crisis,” per Socialist leader Olivier Faure, citizens grapple with austerity fears and governance paralysis. Ultimately, Lecornu’s resignation signals not just a personal defeat but a pivotal test for Macron’s leadership.