Macron Picks Sébastien Lecornu as France’s Next Prime Minister NYT | Top Stories By: Aurelien Breeden 10 September 2025 at 05:09 President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of Sébastien Lecornu, the departing defense minister, after the government collapsed reflects the pressure Mr. Macron faces to get a budget passed. © Pool photo by Benoit TessierSébastien Lecornu, 39, left, France’s departing defense minister, was chosen by President Emmanuel Macron to be the next prime minister.