In a critical move to address the ongoing political crisis in France, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce a new Prime Minister within the next 48 hours, as confirmed by the Elysee Palace. This comes in the wake of the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who cited a desire for political stability amid a deeply divided parliament.
Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, stated that the prospect of dissolving parliament and calling for fresh elections is diminishing, following consultations with various political factions. There is a majority in parliament eager to avoid fresh elections, he remarked during a recent interview.
Since June 2024's snap elections, France's political landscape has been marred by a hung parliament, creating substantial challenges for the passing of legislation, particularly the national budget. Lecornu's resignation marks the third departure of a Prime Minister under Macron's administration in less than a year, underscoring the precariousness of the current government.
In his address, Lecornu emphasized the urgent need for a consensus among political parties to navigate the ongoing crisis and legislative impasse, which is exacerbated by the looming burden of national debt, currently at €3.4 trillion, representing almost 114% of France's GDP.
While discussions about the new Prime Minister's nomination are ongoing, Lecornu hinted at the necessity of choosing a leader detached from presidential ambitions to ensure a stable government capable of addressing France's pressing economic matters and contentious reforms, particularly in the pension sector. Following the political stalemate that has gripped the nation, questions remain about which political parties will rally behind the new administration.
