Macron reappoints Lecornu as PM days after resignation

French president Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as the country's prime minister, just days after he offered his resignation.

- STAFF REPORTER

Mr Lecornu's reappointment followed days of intense negotiations and came less than a week after he resigned amid infighting in his freshly named government.

As France struggles with mounting economic challenges and ballooning debt, Mr Macron has asked Mr Lecornu to try again to form a government and produce a budget in a bid to end the country's political deadlock.

The appointment is widely seen as the president's last chance to reinvigorate his second term, which runs until 2027.

Lacking a majority in the National Assembly to push through his agenda, Mr Macron faces mounting criticism - including from within his own ranks - and has little room to manoeuvre.

Mr Macron's office released a one-sentence statement announcing the appointment, one month after a statement when Mr Lecornu was initially named and four days after he resigned.

Mr Lecornu said in a statement on social networks that he accepted the new job offer out of "duty".

He said he was given a mission "to do everything to give France a budget by the end of the year and respond to the daily problems of our compatriots".

All those who join his new government will have to renounce ambitions to run for president in 2027, Mr Lecornu said, adding that the new cabinet will "incarnate renewal and a diversity of skills".