French PM Sebastien Lecornu Survives Twin No-Confidence Votes in National Assembly
Paris | October 16, 2025 — France’s newly reappointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has survived two no-confidence motions in the National Assembly on Thursday, narrowly securing his government’s mandate amid mounting political divisions and criticism of his new cabinet.
The two motions, filed separately by La France Insoumise (LFI) and the National Rally (RN) with its ally Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR), fell short of the required votes to topple Lecornu’s administration.
LFI Motion Falls Short by 18 Votes
According to leading daily Le Monde, the motion of censure filed by LFI received 271 votes, falling just 18 short of the absolute majority of 289 required to bring down the government.
The motion was backed by a coalition of left-wing and far-right lawmakers, including the Insoumis group, Ecologists, Communists, RN, and UDR. Only three ecologists and two communist MPs abstained or voted against the motion, preventing the final push toward a majority.
Parties from President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance—comprising Renaissance, MoDem, and Horizons—along with Les Républicains (LR), the Socialist Party (PS), and the Liberties, Independents, Overseas and Territories (LIOT) group, voted against the motion.
However, internal fractures were evident, as seven Socialist deputies and one LR representative broke ranks and voted in favour of the motion.
RN-UDR Motion Gains Limited Support
A second motion, tabled by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) and UDR, received just 144 votes—far from the threshold needed for success. It was supported primarily by RN and UDR lawmakers, and by only three of the 50 LR deputies.
All other parties, including Macron’s centrist coalition and most left-wing groups, voted against this motion, signalling temporary unity against an early collapse of the government.
Political Reactions: A Divided Parliament
Speaking after the results, LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Lecornu’s government of being “a recycled version of Macronism with no vision for the working class.” He said, “The French people deserve change, not continuity disguised as reform.”
Meanwhile, RN’s Marine Le Pen called the government “fragile and disconnected from the real concerns of citizens,” predicting more instability ahead.
Lecornu, responding from the Assembly floor, said he would continue to govern with “humility and determination.” “The trust placed in this government is a trust in continuity, but also in responsibility. We will address debt, social inequality, and security with realism,” he said.
Lecornu’s Tumultuous Return to Power
Sebastien Lecornu’s survival marks a significant political comeback. Appointed Prime Minister for the second time on October 10, just four days after his surprise resignation, Lecornu has navigated one of the most turbulent transitions in Macron’s presidency.
Lecornu first resigned on October 6, hours after unveiling his cabinet lineup. His exit was reportedly prompted by internal criticism from both Macron’s centrist allies and the opposition, particularly over key ministerial appointments that some viewed as “recycled” and politically tone-deaf.
Macron, however, swiftly reinstated Lecornu and asked him to form a “renewed but balanced government” to steer France through economic stagnation and growing social unrest.
Inside the New Cabinet
The new government, announced on October 13, comprises 34 ministers, a blend of experienced politicians and technocrats.
- Catherine Vautrin, formerly Labour Minister, has been appointed Defence Minister—a post that has stirred controversy within Macron’s camp.
- Laurent Nunez, the Paris police chief who managed security during the 2024 Paris Olympics, now serves as Interior Minister.
- Roland Lescure has been given the Finance Ministry, tasked with drafting a budget to address France’s growing debt and poverty levels.
- Jean-Noël Barrot retains his position as Foreign Minister, ensuring continuity in France’s diplomatic strategy amid global tensions.
The reshuffle has been described by political observers as “Macron’s attempt at stability through familiarity”, though critics argue it reflects a lack of fresh political talent.
Why the Votes Matter
The twin no-confidence votes represent an early test for Lecornu’s fragile coalition in a deeply polarized Assembly. With no absolute majority, Macron’s centrist bloc depends heavily on Les Républicains and smaller groups to pass legislation.
The survival of Lecornu’s government allows France to avoid immediate political paralysis at a time when it faces crucial challenges—finalizing the 2026 national budget, addressing rising inflation, and managing public discontent over pension and welfare reforms.
Analysts say Lecornu’s near-miss reveals the vulnerability of Macron’s political project in his final term.
“Lecornu’s government has survived this time, but it’s walking a thin line. Every reform or budget proposal could trigger another showdown,” said Pierre Rosanvallon, a political historian at Sciences Po, Paris.
European Context: Echoes of Unrest
Lecornu’s situation mirrors a broader European pattern where centrist coalitions are under strain—from Germany’s Scholz battling budget constraints to Italy’s Meloni facing coalition friction. France’s latest episode underscores the growing instability in Western democracies, where populist and anti-establishment forces are eroding traditional power blocs.
Public Sentiment and Polls
According to a snap poll by Ifop, 58% of French citizens believe Lecornu’s government “will not last the year,” while only 32% express confidence in his ability to deliver on economic promises.
Protests by labour unions and students are expected to resume later this month, especially against austerity proposals anticipated in the new budget.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Sebastien Lecornu’s escape from two no-confidence votes offers short-term relief but not long-term stability. His government now faces a fragile road ahead—balancing between fiscal discipline, public discontent, and the demands of coalition partners.
The episode also reaffirms the precariousness of President Macron’s centrist experiment in an era of polarized politics. Lecornu’s next test will not be in the Assembly chambers, but in the streets of France, where public trust in governance continues to erode.
