France govt collapse: Defence minister Sebastien Lecornu named as PM; Bayrou ousted after losing confidence vote

France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday evening named Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu as the country’s new prime minister, following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government.

Bayrou had been appointed less than a year ago, following the ousting of conservative politician and former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.


Lecornu, who had been tipped for the role last year, will now take the helm amid mounting economic and political pressures.

Bayrou lost his position after failing a confidence vote in parliament on Monday. Just nine months in office, his government collapsed after lawmakers voted 364 against and 194 in favor. The 364 votes exceeded the 280-vote threshold needed to topple his administration.

2026 budget plan crisis

The vote followed Bayrou’s unprecedented call for a confidence motion over his 2026 budget plan. He sought to push through an unpopular 44 billion euros ($51 billion) savings plan, which included scrapping two public holidays and freezing government spending.

“You have the power to overthrow the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality,” Bayrou said in a speech to the National Assembly before the vote.

“Reality will remain inexorable. Spending will continue to increase and the debt burden, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly,” he added.