Short Political Careers: A Historical Perspective
On October 6, 2025, the political landscape in France reflects a history of remarkably brief tenures, including the recent resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just 90 days in 2024, reports 24brussels.
Other notable short-lived administrations in French history include Alexandre Ribot, who resigned after four days on the eve of World War I, and Édouard Daladier, ousted after a week due to violent far-right riots in 1934. Additionally, in 1948, Robert Schuman led a government that collapsed within nine days amid postwar political turmoil.
Moreover, the record for the briefest presidential tenure belongs to Pedro Lascuráin, who served as president of Mexico for a mere 45 minutes on February 19, 1913. His appointment aimed to facilitate the transition between overthrown President Francisco Madero and the usurper, Victoriano Huerta.
Latin American countries have often experienced rapid changes in leadership, exemplified by Argentina’s tumultuous period in 2001, when it saw five presidents in ten days. Australia has also witnessed its share of brief tenures; Frank Forde served as Prime Minister for just eight days in 1945.
In the United States, the shortest-serving president is William Henry Harrison, who died exactly one month after taking office. Additionally, Anthony Scaramucci notably held the position of White House communications director for only ten days during Donald Trump’s presidency.
