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Macron searches for sixth prime minister amid France’s political turmoil
French President Emmanuel Macron faces escalating political challenges as he seeks his sixth prime minister in under two years, amid widening governmental fractures and investor concerns over the country’s ballooning deficit.
The Élysée Palace announced on Wednesday that Macron plans to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, following the resignation of Sébastien Lecornu, whose administration lasted only days.
Lecornu’s fleeting tenure highlighted the depth of France’s political paralysis, with lawmakers sharply divided over the national budget and key reforms. Government spokesperson Aurore Bergé told RTL radio that the situation had reached a critical point, describing this as “the last chance” for responsible leadership to stabilize the government.
Lecornu resigned on Monday, hours after unveiling his cabinet, making his administration the shortest in modern French history. Despite stepping down, he stated in a televised interview that a path, albeit a difficult one, remains to pass the 2025 budget before year-end.
During consultations with party leaders, Lecornu expressed reluctance for a snap parliamentary election but acknowledged that building a governing majority would be challenging. This political deadlock has fueled market anxiety, with investors urging France to rein in spending amid a widening fiscal gap.
Reform fatigue
Macron’s controversial 2023 pension reform, which gradually raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, continues to divide lawmakers. The opposition on the left has renewed calls for the law’s repeal or suspension, framing it as evidence of Macron’s disconnect from public sentiment.
So far, compromise remains elusive. The Socialist Party has urged Macron to appoint a left-leaning prime minister, while Les Républicains, who participated in the outgoing government, have rejected this proposal. Manuel Bompard of the far-left France Unbowed called again for Macron’s resignation, while National Rally leader Jordan Bardella reiterated demands for new parliamentary elections.
A turbulent succession of leaders
Since Élisabeth Borne resigned in January 2024 amid a government crisis, Macron has cycled through Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, François Bayrou, and Sébastien Lecornu. Each government has faced brief tenures or parliamentary setbacks, reflecting the country’s deep political instability.
Macron’s next appointment will be pivotal in determining whether France can restore political stability or slides further into gridlock as fiscal pressures mount.
