French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sebastien Lecornu, the former Defense Minister, as the new Prime Minister. The Élysée Palace announced this evening. Lecornu is the fifth head of government under Macron in less than two years.

Lecornu's predecessor, François Bayrou, was ousted yesterday after losing a vote of confidence over his plans to cut public spending. Lecornu's task includes getting a budget through the fractious and deeply divided parliament.

Following his appointment, Lecornu should propose a new government to the president, it was further stated. Right-wing populist parliamentary group leader Marine Le Pen accused Macron of firing his"last bullet." Green Party leader Marine Tondelier called the appointment of another prime minister from the government camp—which had only come second in the parliamentary elections—a "provocation."