Macron Under Pressure to Resolve France’s Political Deadlock

French President Emmanuel Macron faced intensifying pressure on Tuesday, even from his own allies, to find a rapid solution to the country’s political deadlock. The call came after his first prime minister and former ally, Edouard Philippe, urged him to resign for the good of France.

Macron, in office since 2017, is contending with the most severe domestic political crisis of his presidency following the shock resignation of his seventh prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, on Monday.

The president has given Lecornu until Wednesday evening to negotiate a compromise for a sustainable coalition government. However, success is far from guaranteed.

If the effort fails, Macron may dissolve parliament and call snap legislative elections, hoping for a more workable composition in the legislature.

On Tuesday evening, Macron held separate talks with the speakers of both parliamentary houses, an aide said on condition of anonymity. While the purpose of the meetings was not made clear, the president is legally required to consult both speakers if elections are planned.

Having cycled through three prime ministers in a year, Macron is facing growing exasperation, even from within his own camp.

Outgoing spokeswoman Aurore Berge insisted that Macron would remain in office “until the last minute of his term” in 2027.

Yet, former prime minister Edouard Philippe suggested presidential polls should be held early once the budget is passed. Le Parisien described Philippe’s comments as a “political bomb”.

The next presidential elections are scheduled for 2027, when Macron is barred from running. Philippe has already declared his candidacy. The far-right, led by Marine Le Pen, sees its strongest-ever chance of winning power.

Philippe denounced a “distressing political game” and told RTL: “It is up to Macron to help France emerge in an orderly and dignified manner from a political crisis that is harming the country.”

Another option for Macron is to appoint an entirely new prime minister, which would be the eighth head of government during his mandate.

France’s political crisis stems from Macron’s gamble in the 2024 legislative elections, which backfired, producing a hung parliament and strengthening the far right.

Macron’s domestic isolation was highlighted when he was filmed walking alone by the Seine on Monday, deep in a telephone conversation, contrasting with his visibility on the international stage, where he is mediating efforts to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine alongside President Donald Trump.

Lecornu planned meetings with political groups from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning in an attempt to break the impasse.

Momentum was growing for him to consider suspending the unpopular 2023 pensions reform, leftist politician Raphael Glucksmann said after leaving the prime minister’s office.

However, this underscores the challenges facing the next premier, who must secure support for a cost-cutting budget while France’s public debt reaches record highs.

Marine Le Pen, facing doubts over her presidential candidacy due to a fraud conviction, stated it would be “wise” for Macron to resign but also called for snap legislative elections.

Le Pen and her 30-year-old lieutenant Jordan Bardella, expected to stand if she is barred from running, declined Lecornu’s invitation for talks, according to the National Rally.

“These umpteenth negotiations no longer aim to protect the interests of the French people, but those of the president himself,” the party said.

Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure confirmed his party would attend talks with Lecornu, adding that the next premier should come from the left.

Macron’s path forward remains uncertain, with options constrained by political deadlock, public dissatisfaction, and the looming presidential contest.