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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
John Leicester and Samuel Petrequin

France’s new Prime Minister keeps head-butting his colleagues

Newly named Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu arrives at the Prime Minister residence for a handover ceremony with outgoing French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, in in Paris, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

As France welcomes its new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, a loyal ally of President Emmanuel Macron, the nation is quickly discovering an unusual personal quirk.

The 39-year-old, who maintained a remarkably low profile before ascending to one of the country's top political offices, has been observed in his initial days in power opting for gentle head-butts with male colleagues, rather than the traditional French greeting of multiple cheek kisses.

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