PARIS, FRANCE: President Emmanuel Macron finds himself under growing fire as France’s political landscape plunges into renewed uncertainty, following the shock resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, barely hours after unveiling his new cabinet.
The resignation has plunged Macron’s administration into chaos, sparking a wave of criticism from both allies and opponents. Lecornu’s short-lived tenure — the fifth prime minister to step down under Macron’s presidency — underscores the mounting instability gripping the Élysée Palace. Political observers say this latest crisis has further weakened Macron’s authority at a time when France urgently needs direction amid economic and social unrest.
Macron has now asked Lecornu to continue discussions for a few days to explore possibilities of forming a broader coalition. However, opposition leaders have dismissed this as a futile attempt to cling to power, with growing calls for snap legislative elections or even Macron’s own resignation. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and ex-Premier Gabriel Attal have both publicly questioned the president’s political strategy, warning that the government’s credibility is “hanging by a thread.”
The turmoil has rattled France’s financial markets, with stocks slipping and investor confidence shaken. Analysts warn that prolonged political paralysis could complicate the country’s 2026 budget deliberations and further strain the economy.
As Macron weighs his next move, options are narrowing — from forming a fragile coalition to dissolving parliament entirely. For now, the French presidency faces a defining moment, one that may determine whether Macron can regain control or watch his political influence erode further.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.