France’s parliament has once again flexed its muscles, demonstrating its power to make or break a government by forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The episode serves as a potent reminder that in France’s current political alignment, the President proposes, but the legislature disposes.
Since President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute majority in parliament, the balance of power has shifted dramatically toward the legislative branch. Prime Minister Lecornu’s brief and tumultuous tenure is a case study in this new reality. His fate was sealed not in the presidential palace, but in the court of opinion of the political parties that dominate the National Assembly.
The moment his cabinet was announced, the key parliamentary groups rendered their verdict: a resounding “no.” By branding the government as “largely unchanged” and therefore illegitimate, they effectively passed a vote of no confidence before one could even be formally tabled. This unified opposition front created an insurmountable political obstacle.
Lecornu understood this power dynamic all too well. Without the support, or at least the passive acceptance, of a significant portion of the parliament, he had no path to governing. To persist would have meant facing immediate legislative defeat on any proposal, leading to a state of complete paralysis. His resignation was a capitulation to this parliamentary power.
This event solidifies the parliament’s role as the central actor in France’s ongoing political drama. It has now successfully seen off three prime ministers, primarily over disputes related to the budget and government spending. Any future Prime Minister appointed by Macron will have to contend with this reality: true power no longer resides solely in the Elysee.
Parliamentary Power Flexes Its Muscles, Forcing PM’s Hand
