Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s determination to pass the national budget before December 31, stressing that political forces across the spectrum share the “will” to reach an agreement.

President Emmanuel Macron has given Lecornu until Wednesday evening to conclude “final negotiations” on forming a new government following a week of political uncertainty. Lecornu emphasized that France’s public deficit must remain below 5 percent, projecting it to fall “between 4.7 and 5 percent” in the upcoming budget.

The outgoing Prime Minister met centrist and right-wing leaders on Tuesday and continued consultations with left-wing representatives on Wednesday, seeking consensus to stabilize France’s fragile political landscape.

Lecornu, appointed Prime Minister on September 9 after serving more than three years as Defence Minister, resigned Monday—just a day after unveiling a cabinet lineup nearly identical to that of his predecessor. The continuity drew criticism from both allies and opposition parties.

President Macron accepted his resignation shortly after Lecornu’s announcement of the new government. The cabinet retained several key figures, including Jean-Noel Barrot as Foreign Minister, Bruno Retailleau as Interior Minister, and Gerald Darmanin as Justice Minister. Bruno Le Maire, France’s former Economy Minister (2017–2024), was appointed Defence Minister, while Roland Lescure took over the Economy Ministry.

The conservative Republicans voiced outrage over Le Maire’s reassignment, while National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella called the cabinet “a continuation of the same policies.”

Macron had swiftly appointed Lecornu last month to restore political stability after the previous government’s collapse following a failed confidence vote over spending cuts.