France’s political deadlock explained: Macron under pressure after PM quits

The president is expected to decide within days whether to attempt another fragile government, call risky elections, or test constitutional powers to push through a budget.

France was thrown into fresh political turmoil after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned less than 24 hours after forming his cabinet. Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, blamed deep divisions among political parties for failing to agree on a budget. His exit marks the third prime minister to fall in under a year, sharpening criticism of Macron’s leadership and decision to call snap elections last year, the New York Times reported.

Why the government collapsed

France’s National Assembly is split into three large blocs — the left-wing alliance, Macron’s centrist-conservative coalition, and the far-right National Rally. None commands a majority, making compromise essential but elusive. Lecornu said parties were acting “as though they all have an absolute majority,” accusing them of prioritizing partisan gains over national interest. Without consensus, even the 2026 budget has stalled, threatening France’s ability to manage its rising debt and deficit.

Macron’s immediate options

The president has the constitutional power to appoint another prime minister, but any new government must win enough support in parliament to pass legislation. Previous efforts to rely on centre-right figures have collapsed, and opposition parties are demanding their turn. Socialists and Greens argue they should form a government, while conservatives are reluctant to align too closely with Macron. Meanwhile, far-right leaders say the only real solution is new elections.

Pressure for fresh parliamentary polls

Opponents argue that Macron cannot simply replace another prime minister. Calls are growing for snap parliamentary elections, which could reshuffle the balance of power. Polling suggests Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and its allies would win around one-third of votes, the left about a quarter, and Macron’s centrist bloc far fewer. However, France’s two-round electoral system makes seat projections uncertain. Macron has resisted this option so far, fearing further losses.

Could Macron himself resign?

Some on the far left have floated the radical idea of Macron stepping down, triggering an early presidential election. Charles de Gaulle remains the only French leader to resign under the Fifth Republic, in 1969. With Macron’s approval rating at just 22 percent, critics argue he has lost the authority to govern effectively. Yet Macron has vowed to serve out his term until 2027, and the constitution bars him from running again.

The urgent budget dilemma

Beyond politics, France urgently needs a budget. If parliament remains gridlocked, the government can rely on temporary stopgaps, such as freezing taxes and borrowing funds to keep essential services running. Such measures, used last year, prevent an American-style shutdown but add economic uncertainty. Macron could also impose a budget by decree, though that unprecedented step would inflame the crisis further.

What’s next?

For now, Macron has asked Lecornu to stay on in a caretaker role and lead last-ditch talks with party leaders. The president is expected to decide within days whether to attempt another fragile government, call risky elections, or test constitutional powers to push through a budget. Each option carries political costs, and none guarantees stability.