France’s political turmoil has intensified after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned less than a month into his term. The move marks yet another chapter in the France political crisis. President Emmanuel Macron struggles to maintain control amid growing divisions in parliament.
Lecornu Resigns After 26 Days
Lecornu stepped down on Monday, a day after unveiling his cabinet. His cabinet immediately faced fierce backlash from across the political spectrum. As this crisis develops, it contributes to the ongoing France political crisis, with several parties threatening to reject his ministerial team in the National Assembly. His resignation makes him France’s third prime minister to leave office since December and the fifth in under two years.
Hours later, Macron asked Lecornu to draft a “stability plan” by Wednesday to see if any compromise could still be reached. Lecornu said he was ready for cooperation. However, he condemned “partisan appetites” and the unwillingness of factions to find common ground.
Growing Instability and Economic Pressure
The France political crisis has also rattled financial markets. Stocks fell sharply in Paris amid fears that the government’s instability could worsen the country’s economic challenges. France’s national debt stands at 114% of GDP, the third highest in the eurozone. Its deficit hit 5.8% in 2024.
Since Macron’s snap parliamentary elections in 2024, the legislature has been locked in gridlock. Deep ideological divisions have left France without a stable majority capable of passing key reforms.
Macron Faces Tough Choices
If Lecornu’s stability plan fails, Macron faces three options: appoint another prime minister, dissolve parliament for new elections, or resign himself. Analysts view fresh elections as the most likely outcome. This move could strengthen far-right leader Marine Le Pen and further weaken Macron’s centrist alliance.
For now, France remains in political limbo. As the crisis in France continues, this ongoing political turmoil places Macron’s leadership under extreme scrutiny — his ability to manage the political crisis in France may determine the future of the republic’s institutions.
