Sébastien Lecornu
Sébastien Lecornu is the Prime Minister of France.
Notable Quotes
"But that does not mean the justice system does not have a resources issue."View Story →
"For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol."View Story →
"France's Orsan health emergency plan was now moving to level three so the health system could withstand the strain over time and protect the most vulnerable."View Story →
"although the lower house had extensively debated the bill, the Senate had not allowed for scrutiny that met both the aspirations of its supporters and concerns of those worried about its implementation"View Story →
"Jospin served France with constancy, rigor and a sense of responsibility."View Story →
"The country is going through an unprecedented fire season."View Story →
"France has stood firm in the face of an unprecedented crisis."View Story →
"all five evacuated from the MV Hondius had been 'immediately placed in strict isolation until further notice'."View Story →
"Fireworks, fires, violence near high schools: nothing justifies endangering students, staff, or police officers."View Story →
"The difficulties of high schools must be heard and addressed, but that violence must be condemned unequivocally, and its perpetrators must answer for their actions."View Story →
"My government is taking further steps to "address the difficulties faced by high school students and educational staff"."View Story →
"We will make no concessions to violence."View Story →
"But we have the mass population."View Story →
Related Stories
'Everyone hates the police' – what France's school protests reveal about a divided nation
Students taking to the streets in France have become a focal point in the country's increasingly polarised politics.
October 9, 2026France's school protests: What lies behind the anger
Students' blockades and marches spring from real grievances – and from France's habit of settling policy on the street.
October 8, 2026France halts use of stun grenades after boy's hand blown off in student protests
The step comes after several groups complained of police using disproportionate force towards teenagers.
October 7, 2026Tear gas in Paris and Marseille as school protests grow across France
Crowds of mainly teenagers called for more resources for schools and an end to what they called police repression.
October 6, 2026France braces for national day of school protests after injuries and mass arrests
France prepares for a day of protests in support of students who’ve been demanding more investment in education.
October 5, 2026France closes up to 500 schools Monday over student protests
Lessons will be "totally or partly suspended" in some high schools after clashes between riot police and student protesters, France's education minister says.
October 5, 2026School protests send shivers down French government's spine
A movement that started nearly two weeks ago has spread, and in France young people on the streets spells trouble, writes Hugh Schofield.
October 2, 2026Fires break out at French schools as students protest nationwide
The French government holds a crisis meeting as demonstrations grow and become violent in places.
October 1, 2026More than 400 detained as France student protests escalate
Students have been protesting conditions and resources in high schools since last week.
September 29, 2026French PM warns against escalation of school protests after 164 arrested
Students are protesting over issues such as overcrowded classes, but the prime minister has condemned reports of violence.
September 28, 2026Huge crowds greet Pope in Paris ahead of open-air Mass
More than half a million people are expected to attend the event in the heart of the French capital.
September 26, 2026Hundreds of thousands expected in Paris for Pope's visit
The highpoint of his time in Paris will be a giant Mass attended by more than half a million people.
September 24, 2026French PM heckled over wildfire response as blazes continue across Europe
The prime minister announced on Monday €12m worth of aid to French regions that had been worst affected by the fires.
August 17, 2026France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
The Constitutional Council says it infringes upon freedom of expression - but President Macron vows to prepare a new draft.
August 14, 2026France wildfires reveal hundreds of WW2 shells in village
Explosions heard in Le Porge as the wildfires raged are believed to have have been the old munitions.
August 4, 2026Wildfire now nine miles away from French city of Bordeaux, mayor warns
Thomas Cazenave says they are preparing if further evacuations are issued, as the mayor of a nearby town called the situation "catastrophic".
July 27, 2026French MPs approve assisted dying law with strict rules after years of argument
The bill would allow assisted dying for terminally ill adults who meet strict criteria.
July 15, 2026Europe's heatwave shifts east as France raises health alert to highest level
Temperatures in Germany could hit 40C in some areas while French officials say deaths linked to the heat are being seen among young people.
June 25, 2026Drowning deaths soar in France as Europe buckles in peak of heatwave
Forty people have drowned in heatwave-related deaths in France since last Thursday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says.
June 23, 2026France bans alcohol at music festival events under red heatwave alert
Annual street parties attended by millions ordered to help “preserve” healthcare services in 40C (104F) heat.
June 21, 2026French town buries murdered child as questions mount over police failings
The prime suspect in the killing of Lyhanna, 11, was reported to police nine months prior but never questioned.
June 12, 2026Murder of Lyhanna, 11, enrages France and turns up heat on government
Protesters are angry that the suspect had already been reported to police last August in a separate case.
June 9, 2026Race for French presidency sees ex-PM Philippe as early favourite to beat populists
Latest polls suggest the centre-right figure is the only candidate who can defeat Marine Le Pen or Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
May 22, 2026US and French nationals test positive for hantavirus after leaving ship
The American national has arrived in Nebraska, while a French woman is isolating in Paris.
May 11, 2026French national shows symptoms on return from hantavirus-hit ship
Five passengers of the MV Hondius will be quarantined in Paris "until further notice", France's prime minister says.
May 10, 2026French PM fuels row with trip to buy baguettes
Sébastien Lecornu visited a boulangerie on Labour Day, defying unions who say 1 May must remain a mandatory rest day.
May 1, 2026France's former Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin dies at 88
Jospin was head of government from 1997 to 2002 and is credited with bringing in the 35-hour working week.
March 23, 2026