France's New Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu Seeks Collaborative Government Approach

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced he will not invoke special constitutional powers to bypass parliament in passing the budget. The move places the responsibility on lawmakers to reach a consensus, amidst ongoing discussions with the National Rally and Socialist Party over the 2026 budget.

Lecornu, appointed just last month as the fifth prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron in two years, is seeking collaborative efforts in a deeply divided parliament. In his inaugural televised address, Lecornu emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation, distancing himself from the controversial Article 49.3 which has been used previously to expedite legislation.

While opposition leaders, including Olivier Faure and Marine Le Pen, acknowledge Lecornu's decision as a positive step, they demand clarity on policy changes, particularly regarding pension reform and fiscal fairness. Lecornu's approach marks a significant attempt to foster dialogue and compromise in French politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)