FX.co ★ Record-short tenures: France’s briefest-serving prime ministers

Sebastien Lecornu

Sebastien Lecornu was appointed French prime minister on September 9, 2025, and resigned just 27 days later, on October 6. His departure marks the fastest resignation in the country’s recent history. Previously serving as defense minister, Lecornu was tapped to lead the government amid efforts to reset the political agenda. However, he quickly faced pushback from opposition parties over the composition of his cabinet. In announcing his resignation, Lecornu said that he could not effectively fulfill his duties under current conditions and accused Parliament of refusing to compromise.

Michel Barnier

Michel Barnier assumed the role of prime minister in September 2024, but his tenure lasted only 3 months and 8 days. He stepped down on December 13, following a political backlash over the adoption of a controversial social security budget without full parliamentary approval. The move triggered a strong response from lawmakers. On December 5, Barnier’s cabinet was hit with a vote of no confidence, leading to his resignation less than two weeks later.

Bernard Cazeneuve

Bernard Cazeneuve became prime minister of France in 2016 and served for 5 months and 9 days. His resignation was linked to the election of Emmanuel Macron as France’s new president in 2017. On the day the official results were announced, Cazeneuve, in keeping with tradition, declared the resignation of his cabinet. He formally exercised his duties until May 15, 2017, when the new government was appointed.

Gabriel Attal

Gabriel Attal assumed the role of prime minister in January 2024, becoming the youngest person in French history to hold the office at just 34 years old. His tenure lasted 7 months and 27 days. He announced his decision to resign in June following parliamentary elections, in which the ruling coalition finished in second place. Attal formally stepped down in September 2024, when a new prime minister was appointed.

Francois Bayrou

Francois Bayrou was appointed French prime minister in December 2023 and served for 8 months and 27 days. He resigned on September 9, 2024, after the National Assembly issued a vote of no confidence against the government. The move came in response to a failed vote on the 2026 budget, which parliament refused to approve, ultimately prompting the change in leadership.