French President Emmanuel Macron has asked Sébastien Lecornu to return as Prime Minister of France, just four days after his resignation — ending a week of political turbulence and uncertainty.
Macron made the announcement late on Friday, only hours after meeting with leaders of France’s main political parties at the Élysée Palace — except those from the far-right and far-left — BBC reports.
The return of Lecornu came as a surprise, especially since only two days earlier he stated that he was “not seeking the position” and that his “mission had ended.”
It remains uncertain whether Lecornu will be able to form a new government, but he must immediately begin work. The new prime minister faces a Monday deadline to present next year’s budget to parliament.
The Élysée said the president had “entrusted [Lecornu] with forming the government,” while Macron’s circle confirmed he was given “carte blanche” to act freely.
Later, Lecornu posted a lengthy statement on X (formerly Twitter), accepting the mission given by the president:
“I accept the task entrusted to me by the president — to do everything necessary to ensure that France has a budget by the end of the year and to address the daily concerns of our fellow citizens.”
