France in Turmoil: Prime Minister's Swift Resignation Sparks Crisis

Sebastien Lecornu's abrupt resignation as France's prime minister, less than a month in office, plunged the country into a political crisis. His departure underlines the ongoing instability in French politics and presents challenges for President Emmanuel Macron, struggling with a fragmented legislature and plunging opinion polls.

In a stunning turn of events, France's new prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, resigned less than 24 hours after naming his government, leaving President Emmanuel Macron grappling with a political crisis. The resignation comes amid plunging opinion polls for Macron and a deeply fragmented legislature with no clear majority.

Previously, Lecornu had replaced Francois Bayrou as France's fourth prime minister in a year, highlighting the political instability. His departure follows failed attempts to build consensus among lawmakers, leaving Macron with limited options. Opposition parties, including the far right and far left, swiftly called for new elections or Macron's resignation.

Investors reacted sharply to the news, with France's CAC-40 index tumbling. The sudden political shift has ministers appointed just hours earlier now serving as caretaker leaders, while the country faces pressing challenges such as a massive debt crisis requiring budgetary reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)