France’s Lecornu Says Budget Is Priority in Crisis Talks

France’s outgoing prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, said the budget and the overseas territory of New Caledonia are the priorities in crisis talks that aim to restore political stability after his resignation on Monday.

President Emmanuel Macron has asked him to have another attempt — with a deadline of Wednesday evening — to bring together opposing parties to give the country “stability” as a 2026 budget is urgently needed to curb a growing debt burden and reassure investors.