Paris, France — October 2025:
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours, according to a statement released by the Élysée Palace on Wednesday. The decision comes at a time of mounting political tension, widespread opposition, and renewed uncertainty about the country’s political direction.
The move follows the abrupt resignation of Sébastien Lecornu, who stepped down earlier this week—making him France’s fifth prime minister in just two years and the leader of the shortest-lived government in modern French history. Lecornu tendered his resignation only hours after presenting his new cabinet, marking yet another chapter in the turbulence that has characterized Macron’s second term.
Despite stepping down, Lecornu continues to play a role behind the scenes. At President Macron’s request, he has been holding consultations with various political leaders from the centre-left to the centre-right in an effort to identify common ground and prevent further instability.
A statement from the Élysée confirmed Lecornu’s efforts, noting that his discussions “revealed that a majority of deputies oppose dissolution of parliament; a platform for stability exists; and a path is possible to adopt a budget by December 31.” Based on those findings, the Palace said Macron would move forward with appointing a new prime minister “within the next 48 hours.”
Lecornu’s departure was precipitated by growing dissent within parliament, where both opposition parties and some members of Macron’s centrist coalition threatened to table a no-confidence motion against his government. The challenge highlighted the deep divisions and political fragility of France’s hung parliament, where no party or coalition commands an outright majority—a situation that has led to repeated legislative deadlocks and mounting frustration among citizens.
In an appearance on France 2 television, Lecornu maintained a hopeful tone despite his resignation. He said he still believes that “a path is possible” to ensure that the government secures the 2026 national budget and sustains financial stability for Europe’s second-largest economy. Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, Lecornu said that reaching consensus “won’t be easy,” but emphasized that the immediate risk of a snap election was receding.
“I told the President of the Republic that I believe the situation allows for him to appoint a prime minister in the next 48 hours,” Lecornu remarked, signaling his willingness to assist with a smooth transition.
Mounting Political Pressure
President Macron, whose popularity has sharply declined over the past year, now faces unprecedented pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, of the National Rally (RN), dismissed Macron’s actions as nothing more than a “delaying tactic,” accusing him of clinging to power while ignoring the growing dissatisfaction of the French public.
On the far-left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, renewed his calls for Macron to resign or dissolve parliament, arguing that the government has lost its democratic legitimacy.
Meanwhile, centrist and moderate voices have urged Macron to act swiftly in appointing a capable prime minister who can build bridges between divided blocs and steer the country through the escalating crisis.
Centre-Left Bloc Eyes Opportunity
The centre-left alliance, led by Socialist Party chief Olivier Faure and Greens leader Marine Tondelier, has expressed a readiness to form the next government should Macron decide to open the door to a broader coalition. The bloc has already outlined several key policy priorities, including the introduction of a 2% wealth tax targeting France’s richest citizens and the reversal of Macron’s controversial pension reforms, which raised the national retirement age—a policy that sparked mass protests earlier this year.
While these proposals have gained strong public support, they have also deepened divides with conservative lawmakers, who warn that such measures could drive away investors and worsen France’s fiscal deficit.
Economic Outlook and Market Reaction
In the wake of Lecornu’s resignation and amid speculation about Macron’s next move, financial markets showed tentative signs of optimism on Wednesday. The CAC 40 index—France’s benchmark stock market indicator—rose by 1.1%, reflecting cautious investor relief following hints of political stabilization.
However, analysts remain wary. France continues to rank among Europe’s economic laggards in 2025, burdened by slow growth, high public debt, and political uncertainty. Economists warn that prolonged instability could undermine confidence further and complicate the government’s efforts to meet budgetary commitments under the European Union’s fiscal framework.
“The government’s immediate challenge is restoring credibility—not only domestically, but also within the EU,” said economist Claire Dubois of the Paris School of Economics. “Political fragmentation has made policymaking almost impossible, and until Macron can form a stable majority, France’s economic outlook will remain clouded.”
Who Will Be France’s Next Prime Minister?
As speculation mounts, attention now turns to who might succeed Lecornu. Among the potential candidates frequently mentioned in French political circles are Bruno Le Maire, the current Finance Minister known for his pro-business stance; Gabriel Attal, a close Macron ally and former government spokesperson; and Élisabeth Borne, who previously served as prime minister and is regarded as a stabilizing technocrat.
Political observers believe Macron’s next appointment will be crucial—not only for maintaining legislative functionality but also for reviving public confidence in his leadership. The president’s decision could shape the final years of his term and determine whether France moves toward compromise or deeper division.
A Nation at a Crossroads
France’s current crisis has been described by several commentators as the most severe political test of Macron’s presidency. With the public increasingly frustrated by economic stagnation, cost-of-living pressures, and political infighting, Macron’s next move will determine whether his administration can regain stability or face a fresh wave of unrest.
As the Élysée prepares for the highly anticipated announcement, the nation waits anxiously. In the coming days, the choice of prime minister will signal whether France can navigate its political storm and return to a path of governance, or sink deeper into the uncertainty that has marked the Macron era.
