Left-Wing Parties Split on Strategy After Lecornu’s Resignation

The political turmoil in France deepened following Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s resignation, as left-wing parties convened separately to chart their paths forward. On October 7, two distinct meetings were held. One, attended by La France Insoumise (LFI), Ecologist parties, and other leftist groups but excluding the Socialist Party (PS), focused on preparing for potential outcomes such as seeking President Macron’s destitution or dissolution of the National Assembly. The PS declined to join due to opposition to LFI's push for Macron's removal, with PS Secretary General Pierre Jouvet highlighting their disagreement. Meanwhile, the French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel also stayed away from this meeting, though more moderate Communist deputy Nicolas Sansu participated.

A separate meeting, set for later the same day, gathered the PS but not LFI, to discuss the possibility of forming a leftist government. Significant divisions were evident: LFI expressed skepticism about the left’s ability to govern, contrasting with the PS, Communist Party, and Ecologists who remain optimistic. The Ecologists held a meeting with LFI and plan further talks with the PS and PCF to explore alliances. This fragmentation signals divergent strategies within the left ahead of what could be critical political developments following Lecornu’s departure.

Prime Minister Lecornu had invited political forces to engage in discussions by Wednesday. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe proposed early presidential elections, a suggestion rejected by government spokesperson Gabriel Attal, adding complexity to the crisis dynamics.