Macron Under Pressure: Navigating a Political Crisis in France

After eight years in office, Emmanuel Macron's position as president is coming under increasing pressure as France's political crisis escalates.

Macron once referred to himself as maître des horloges - master of the clocks - but his command of timing is not what it was. Following the resignation of his third prime minister in a year, polls indicate that nearly three-quarters of voters believe he should step down too. Macron has, however, reiterated his commitment to stay in office, leaving France to ponder whether a new government can be formed or if he will dissolve parliament.

How did we get here?

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his resignation at the start of a political drama on Monday, just 26 days into his tenure. Lecornu agreed to remain for two more days to negotiate with political parties, highlighting the instability of Macron's centrist government following a snap parliamentary election that resulted in a hung parliament.

The political turmoil was exacerbated by Lecornu's immediate predecessor's rapid removal from office, signalling the increasing difficulty of navigating France's deep ideological divides and urgent fiscal challenges.

It's all about France's debt

The national debt, which stood at €3.4 trillion earlier this year, poses the greatest challenge for Lecornu and his predecessors. With a projected budget deficit of 5.4% of GDP, the government's attempts to introduce austerity measures have faced fierce opposition, leading to a swift succession of prime ministers and further instability.

What happens now?

Lecornu's brief tenure resulted in immense criticism even before he could present his budget plan. His resignation, blamed on the rigidity of opposition parties, sets the stage for four possible paths forward—none without significant peril. New elections or a firmer coalition government are on the table, but the reluctance of parties to compromise complicates the landscape.

The Key Figures

Amidst the chaos, opposition leaders from the far-right and radical left have intensified their calls for Macron's resignation, while centrist and conservative figures express doubts about governance capability. Political maneuvering is underway as potential successors contemplate their strategies for an uncertain future.

Has Macron run out of road?

As Macron grapples with potentially dire choices, reflections of his solitary leadership during this crisis emerge. Critics suggest he consider appointing a technocrat and facilitating early elections, but Macron seems resolute in attempting to regain stability and avoid a political vacuum.