French PM Sébastien Lecornu resigns after less than a month in office

• French President Emmanuel Macron accepts Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s resignation.
• Lecornu had been appointed last month and unveiled a largely unchanged cabinet on Sunday.
• Resignation follows criticism of the cabinet and challenges in securing approval for an austerity budget

France plunged deeper into political uncertainty on Monday as President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, just hours after unveiling his new cabinet, the Élysée Palace confirmed.

Lecornu, a former defense minister, had been appointed to the role last month. However, the largely unchanged cabinet he introduced on Sunday drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

The resignation comes as Lecornu faced the formidable challenge of securing parliamentary approval for an austerity budget for the coming year. His two predecessors, Francois Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were both forced out by the legislative chamber following standoffs over similar spending plans.

France’s public debt reached a record high last week, with the debt-to-GDP ratio now ranking as the third highest in the European Union, after Greece and Italy, nearly double the 60 percent limit set by EU rules.

While previous administrations pushed budgets through parliament without a vote, a constitutionally permitted but controversial tactic, Lecornu had pledged to allow lawmakers to vote on the proposed bill.

The crisis underscores the political paralysis that has gripped France since Macron called snap parliamentary elections last year to strengthen his mandate. The gamble failed, leaving his pro-government bloc in a minority and intensifying legislative gridlock.

Analysts say the resignation highlights the growing difficulties Macron faces in managing both a divided parliament and a mounting economic crisis.