'French politics has always been baroque, but now it's playing out on the public stage'

France’s new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned after less than a month in office and less than 24 hours after naming a new government that prompted a key coalition ally to withdraw support. The move has plunged the country further into political crisis, leaving embattled French President Emmanuel Macron with few options. Lecornu is now the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic. French politics have been in disarray since 2024 snap elections. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, Genie Godula welcomes Paul Smith, Associate Professor in French History and Politics at the University of Nottingham.

'French politics has always been baroque, but now it's playing out on the public stage'
France’s new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned after less than a month in office and less than 24 hours after naming a new government that prompted a key coalition ally to withdraw support. The move has plunged the country further into political crisis, leaving embattled French President Emmanuel Macron with few options. Lecornu is now the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic. French politics have been in disarray since 2024 snap elections. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, Genie Godula welcomes Paul Smith, Associate Professor in French History and Politics at the University of Nottingham.