Macron Weakened by Another Collapse of French Government

President Emmanuel Macron of France took his time after last year’s snap parliamentary election, waiting nearly two months to appoint a prime minister, Michel Barnier, who lasted just three months.

Macron is now in his eighth year in office with about 18 months left in his presidency. (Photo: Mutualité Française Flickr)

He then waited a week to name François Bayrou, whose government collapsed on Monday after nine months, the New York Times reported on September 10, 2025.

This time, Macron moved faster, settling on Sébastien Lecornu, his departing defense minister and close ally, in just over 24 hours. The quick decision reflects a more resolute Macron, now in his eighth year in office with about 18 months left in his presidency.

His sometimes brusque determination has intensified alongside rising impatience with domestic politics and growing unpopularity.

Macron’s favorite recent phrase has been: “To be free in this world, you have to be feared. To be feared, you have to be powerful.” The remark underscores his frustration with the rise of global strongmen — from Washington to Beijing to Moscow — during his tenure.

He recently called Russian President Vladimir V. Putin an “ogre,” drawing a furious response from Moscow.

Once in regular contact with Putin, Macron now finds himself isolated both internationally and domestically. The instability at home has left him weaker at a critical moment for France and Europe, which are struggling to counter a global authoritarian drift.