PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron has directed outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to hold final talks with political parties in an urgent attempt to end France’s deepening political turmoil. Lecornu resigned just hours after announcing his cabinet, making his administration the shortest in the nation’s modern history. Despite his resignation, Macron has tasked him with negotiating by Wednesday evening to create a stable action plan and restore confidence in the government.
Lecornu accepted the president’s request, agreeing to oversee discussions with opposition leaders and allies in the coming days. His resignation earlier on Monday had sent shockwaves through financial markets, causing the euro and French stocks to tumble sharply. Analysts believe Macron’s political options are shrinking as he struggles to find consensus in an increasingly divided parliament. France’s constitution allows the president to reappoint Lecornu, but uncertainty about future leadership remains high.
Read more : /macron-gives-outgoing-pm-final-chance-to-lead/
Moreover, Macron faces intense pressure from both the far-right and hard-left parties demanding snap elections or his resignation. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called the situation a “farce,” insisting that new elections were the only way forward. Meanwhile, left-wing leader Mathilde Panot declared that “the countdown has begun” for Macron’s departure. However, moderate parties, including the Socialists, urged Macron to avoid escalating the crisis and instead appoint a left-leaning prime minister capable of uniting parliament.
The crisis has left French citizens frustrated and anxious about the future. In Paris, residents expressed disappointment over the government’s instability, saying they had never witnessed such political chaos. Many now believe snap elections are unavoidable. Recent polls revealed that three-quarters of the French population supported Lecornu’s resignation, while nearly half blamed Macron for the ongoing disorder. A majority also felt that either dissolving parliament or the president stepping down could help restore order.
Meanwhile, France’s economy is feeling the weight of political uncertainty. The country’s main stock index, CAC 40, dropped more than 1.3 percent, making it the worst performer in Europe on Monday. The euro also slipped against the dollar, signalling investor concern over France’s growing debt and budget deficit. With public debt at 113.9 percent of GDP and mounting pressure from rating agencies, the government faces tough choices in the coming weeks.
Read more : /france-crisis-deepens-as-pm-lecornu-quits/
France’s political instability marks one of the worst crises since the creation of the Fifth Republic in 1958. The system was designed to ensure strong governance under a powerful president with parliamentary support. However, Macron now leads a fragmented legislature struggling to build coalitions and pass crucial reforms. As the clock ticks toward Lecornu’s Wednesday deadline, France awaits whether the talks will succeed or push the country closer to snap elections.