New French prime minister forced to fight fires on first day at work
Sebastien Lecornu, France’s fifth prime minister in two years, took office amid protests against politicians and proposed budget cuts
At the handover ceremony, Lecornu said that his new government would need to be creative and talk to opposition parties, adding that there might need to be a change in policies as well.
“There must be changes – not just in terms of form or method, but in substance,” he said. “No big speech today. Starting from this afternoon, I will meet members from the biggest political parties and in the coming days, other political parties, unions and I will have the occasion to explain myself before the French people.”
Lecornu has to send a full draft of next year’s budget to parliament by October 7, although there is some wiggle room until October 13, after which lawmakers will run out of time to pass the budget by the year’s end.
Reactions to Lecornu’s appointment on Tuesday underscored the challenge he faces. Parties broadly agree on the need to slash France’s deficit, which reached 5.8 per cent of gross domestic product last year, but not on how to do it.