French political crisis continues as Lecornu unveils new government – Europe live

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Russia has dismissed reports that one of its submarines was in distress after surfacing off the coast of northern France, insisting the vessel was simply following routine navigation rules.

Nato’s Maritime Command last week shared photos of a French navy frigate tracking a Russian submarine near Brittany, saying the alliance maintained “constant vigilance and maritime awareness across the Atlantic.”

The images prompted speculation after a Telegram channel known for leaking Russian security information claimed the Novorossiysk submarine had suffered serious technical problems, including a fuel leak.

On Monday, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet denied the claims, saying the diesel-powered submarine had surfaced “in accordance with international navigation rules” while transiting the English Channel after operations in the Mediterranean.

Speaking from Egypt, French president Emmanuel Macron dismissed opposition calls for his resignation, insisting he would remain in office to safeguard the country’s stability.

“Never forget that the mandate given by the French people is to serve, to serve and serve, and to provide answers to the questions of everyday French people, and to do everything possible for the independence of France,” Macron told reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh. “That is the only thing that matters. The rest is the government’s business … I will continue to ensure stability,” he added.

Macron also hit out at his opponents, accusing them of fuelling the current unrest. “Those political forces which have worked to destabilise prime minister Lecornu are solely responsible for the sense of disorder in France,” he said.

Morning opening: Political crisis in France continues as European leaders gather for Gaza 'peace summit'

France’s political crisis has entered a volatile new phase after prime minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled his new government on Sunday night – just two days after being reappointed.

Sébastien Lecornu unveiled his new government on Sunday night – just two days after being reappointed. Photograph: Martin Lelievre/Reuters

The reshuffle, intended to steady the ship after last week’s chaotic collapse of his first cabinet, has instead reignited tensions across the political spectrum and left president Emmanuel Macron facing the gravest challenge of his second term.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen declared that her the National Rally party and its allies will move to bring down the government, announcing a motion of no confidence in parliament. She urged Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and call new elections “to allow the French people to express themselves and choose a new majority for change.”

Mathilde Panot, leader of the left wing France Unbowed, said her party had filed its own no-confidence motion “that will bring down Lecornu’s new government”.

“The country has no time to lose,” she added. “Lecornu will fall and Macron will follow.”

The threat piles further pressure on an administration already struggling to command authority after Lecornu’s record-short tenure and a wave of anger over his cabinet choices.

The turmoil coincides with another seismic moment for France’s political establishment: former president Nicolas Sarkozy will today learn when he will begin serving a prison sentence for corruption.

Macron himself will be busy however, joining European leaders heading to Egypt today for the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The French president will be joined by Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni, Pedro Sánchez along with Donald Trump and the Egyptian president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to discuss the ‘peace summit’ in Gaza.

I will bring you all reactions here.

It’s Monday, 13 October 2025, I’m Matthew Pearce, and this is Europe Live.

Good morning.