Sébastien Lecornu, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron as France's fifth prime minister in two years, assumed office on Wednesday amid widespread anti-government protests that underscored the country's deepening political crisis. Lecornu, a conservative Macron protégé and former defence minister, arrived at the prime minister's residence at midday to meet his predecessor François Bayrou, who was ousted by parliament on Monday over plans to reduce the nation's outsized deficit.
In his inaugural remarks, Lecornu promised a 'profound break' with the past as he faces the daunting task of forming a government with sufficient parliamentary support to avoid an early collapse. He stated he would address the nation 'in the coming days' to outline his approach, which he said would differ 'not just in method' from previous administrations.
Meanwhile, the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party has already announced a no-confidence motion against Lecornu in parliament, though it currently lacks backing from other parties. Street protests erupted across France, with demonstrators expressing grassroots opposition to Macron. Clashes with police resulted in nearly 300 arrests and disruptions to transport, schools, and other services.
Authorities deployed 80,000 police nationwide, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warning of 'zero tolerance' for violence. Despite a call by a loose left-wing coalition to 'block everything', the disruption was only partially achieved. Most high-speed trains ran on schedule, and Paris metro disruptions were minimal, but many schools were blocked, and protesters occupied roads and railway stations across the country.
In Paris, protesters built barricades from rubbish bins, blocked schools and roads, and pelted police with garbage. Around 1,000 demonstrators attempted to enter the Gare du Nord but were prevented. In Lyon, protesters blocked a road and set bins on fire; in Nantes, police used teargas; and in Marseille, police stopped 200 demonstrators from blockading a main road. A central Paris restaurant appeared to be set on fire during the protests, with images showing flames emerging from the building.
