Another blow to Macron: Two key resignations in less than a month

As France continues its recent trend of prime ministerial resignations with Lecornu’s departure, the defense minister stepped down in an apparent attempt to bring an end to the ongoing political crisis.

Le Maire’s resignation came amid significant controversy surrounding his appointment as France’s defense minister. The right-wing Republican Party strongly opposed his nomination, calling him a symbol of President Emmanuel Macron’s unpopular economic policies.

Before his brief tenure as defense minister, Le Maire had served as France’s finance minister. According to Western media reports, his appointment as defense minister accelerated Sébastien Lecornu’s decision to resign as prime minister.

Announcing his resignation, Le Maire stated: “Under the current circumstances, I proposed to the President that I step down from the government without delay and hand over my responsibilities as defense minister to the prime minister. The President has accepted my proposal.”

It remains to be seen how his resignation will affect the ongoing crisis in France. Lecornu and his ministers will continue to serve in caretaker roles until a new government is formed.