French Political Crisis Deepens as Prime Minister Lecornu Resigns and Returns Amid Calls for Government Overhaul
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's resignation and swift return have intensified France's political crisis as calls for government change and early elections rise amid budget and reform disputes.
- • Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned and returned within 14 hours amid political instability.
- • Emmanuel Macron plans to appoint a new Prime Minister by Friday evening after ruling out government dissolution.
- • Opposition parties call for a leftist and ecological government or early presidential elections.
- • A poll shows the National Rally leading with 36% ahead of left-wing coalitions at 19%.
- • Budget deficit for 2026 expected above 5%, raising concerns about fiscal policy and reforms.
Key details
In a turbulent political episode in France during early October 2025, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned shortly after forming his new government on October 6, only to return within 14 hours following a challenge from President Emmanuel Macron to navigate through widening political divisions. President Macron has vowed to appoint a new Prime Minister by Friday evening, as the government grapples with instability and demands for change from multiple political factions.
Lecornu ruled out the dissolution of the government after two days of talks, but warned of an unexpectedly high budget deficit for 2026, likely exceeding 5% of GDP, suggesting financial concessions have been made to secure political support. The government is under pressure to present a stable budget that complies with European commitments amid intense debate over the contentious 2023 pension reforms.
Several opposition parties have expressed clear expectations: the Communist Party, led by Fabien Roussel, demands a leftist Prime Minister and advocates for early presidential elections but with caution, while La France insoumise pushes for either Lecornu’s resignation or a motion of censure against Macron. The Greens are calling for a left-leaning government and accuse Macron of undemocratic governance, demanding cohabitation. The Socialist Party emphasizes political stability while remaining open to leadership roles despite dwindling influence. Meanwhile, the right-wing Rassemblement national, led by Marine Le Pen, is pushing for early elections, buoyed by a recent poll indicating they would lead the legislative elections with 36% of the votes, ahead of a left-wing coalition’s 19%.
Local officials have expressed their commitment to preserving stability despite the fraught climate, with over 2,000 gathering in Toulouse emphasizing the fragility of French society. Social movements continue to resist austerity policies, with union leaders like CGT’s Sophie Binet warning of rising institutional chaos if current policies persist. Former Prime Ministers such as Édouard Philippe and Élisabeth Borne are voicing discontent with Macron’s course. The ongoing political uncertainty underscores the urgency for Macron’s new Prime Minister appointment as well as for a new strategy to secure government functionality and public confidence amid escalating opposition.
With the appointment of a new Prime Minister imminent and budget negotiations underway, France stands at a crossroads of political realignment, with the specter of early elections looming but ultimately dismissed by Lecornu for now. The months ahead will be decisive in determining whether Macron’s administration can regain stability or if deeper upheaval is to come.